RECENTLY, A GIRLFRIEND AND I began the process of developing personal mission statements. We are delving into Scripture and working to articulate God's will for his children and our place in that. Through the process, 1 am discovering some things about God and his desires for me that are beginning to change my life.
So it was with great interest that I read Tom Sine's article about "Putting first things first." I thought it an insightful way to begin an issue focusing on what we should do with our money. It is helpful to understand our purpose in life before we start deciding how to be good stewards. Even if we are already biblical stewards of our money, it doesn't hurt to give some thought to your purpose or revisiting a personal mission statement. (You can hear more from Tom and his wife Christine at a workshop they are giving at the national MB conference in Abbotsford, B.c., this summer.)
After you read about putting first things first, find out how God expects us to give as individuals and as a corporate body in Jon Wiebe's "Giving firstfruits--corporate style." John Longhurst takes an updated look at socially responsible investing in "What on earth is your money doing?" And Eddy Hall brings stewardship to the home and family as he writes about his experience in helping his children learn about money and giving in "Teaching kids to give."
In BodyLife, the subject of money continues. Last month, leaders from national ministries and boards met in Fresno, and they talked about how to fund as well as organize the growth the conference is experiencing in its ministries and constituency. InJune, the Leader will give you reports from each of the ministries, and their recommendations and proposals will be explored and acted upon by delegates to the national convention this summer. Delegates come from the 188 local churches in the U.S. Conference and you attend one of them. You have a say in and a responsibility for your national ministries. Take the time to read about what is going on and then talk about it with those who will be attending as delegates. Your voice is important.
God bless. -eA
COMING
MAY 5-U.S. Conference Sunday
_JULY 25-27-U.S. Conference and General Conference conventions in Abbotsford, B.C., Canada
NOVEMBER 1·3-eentral District Conference convention, Grace Bible Church, Gettysburg, S.D.
ART CREDITS: (over, PhotoDisc; Pages 4-15, PhotoDisc except for pages 12-13, DigitalStock.
Printing by Valley Offset Printing, Valley (enter, Kansas.
•
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EDITOR Carmen Andres
ASSOOATE EDITOR Connie Faber
BY TOM SINE
ONE OF THE fEW POSmVE CONSEQUENCES
of Sept. 11 is that Christians all over the country are expressing a desire to put first things first in their lives. They want their lives to count for something. This does indeed seem to be an important katros moment.
However, my wife Christine and I have found that most people have no idea how to connect their Sun· dayfaith with their lives seven days a week. To make matters worse most Christians report that they are chronically overcommitted and overbooked. When we ask congregations how many of them are busier than they were five years ago, invariably about 70 percent of the hands go up. "Hurry-sickness" has become a national contagion.
Are you among them?
Christians need practical resources to both live their lives on purpose and also to creatively order how they use time and money to put first things first. If you are looking for a less driven way of life, here are several essential steps you might try in your own life and family to live with a greater sense of purpose and to create a way of life that is less stressed and more festive than anything the rat race can offer.
beyond the stress race
t is important to understand why so many of our "'--JiVell-lhave become so outrageously busy. In the 19905 we all became a part of a new one world economic order which has had many benefits. But many people now find they are under growing pressure to work harder and longer than ever before. Numbers are locked into the new 24/7 work week in which they never leave work. This explains why growing numbers of us have less time for our churches, Bible reading, prayer, service and family life. living in a nation at war and watching the economy struggle with serio ous recession only adds to our sense of pressure.
The first step in this process is to identify where the time pressure in your life is coming from and find ways you can reduce that pressure.
U\riDlion purpose
quest towards living on purpose begins by .o-eaelHlf us discovering afresh the power of God's story and finding out what our part is in that story.
Jesus is our model for how to do that. He grew up immersed in that story. As he began his ministry Jesus stood up in his hometown and announced his mission statement, '''The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, release to the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.'
The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened
on him and he began by saying to them, 'Today this Scripture is fulfilled in your hearing'" (Luke 4:18-21).
What Jesus was doing was clearly connecting his life to not only the story of God but to God's purposes for the future. The question is "How can we follow his example and live our lives with a greater sense of purpose that is clearly an expression of God's story too?"
Jerry Sittser can help us answer this question. Jerry is a professor at Whitworth College who experienced an incredible tragedy 10 years ago. He lost his wife, his mother-in-law and one of his children in a terrible car crash. Out of the enormous grief of that tragedy he struggled as a single parent with three children with how to respond to this loss. After sever· al months, it occurred to him to sit down with his kids and write a family mission statement to both express his desire to raise his kids on purpose and as an expression of honoring those who had died.
Over the past 10 years their mission statement has enabled this family to do what Jesus did-to put God's purposes first in their lives. They have used their mission statement when they plan their week to make sure they have time for spiritual activities, family time and time to care for others. For example, recently Jerry was invited to lecture during the summer at Daystar (a Christian university) in Kenya and he took his three children with him. In keeping with their mission statement all three chose to volunteer to work at Mother Teresa's orphanage for disabled and abandoned kids. One morning Jerry sneaked in to see his three children at work. He saw his 18-yearold daughter Catherine singing while she fed five disabled kids and his ll-year-old son John sitting in a comer quietly rocking a small malnourished baby.
As a result of Jerry's influence, Christine and I both felt challenged to write our own mission statement. As a result of Christine's work with Mercy Ships among the poor in Africa, Asia and Latin America and my work with World Concern in Haiti we want our lives to make a difference for our poorest neighbors. Our mission statement comes out of Provo 31:8-9. It reads, "To become a voice for those who have no voice and bring glimpses of God's shalom kingdom into people's lives."
We find it very helpful to go on quarterly two-day prayer retreats to use our mission statement to help us set goals for every part of our lives. We not only set goals for our ministry but also for relationships, hospitality and even for how we steward our finances. We find that this discipline really helps us to not only more intentionally connect our lives to God's story, but to create a more festive way of life in which we are more intentionally using our time and money in
ways that we believe advance God's purposes.
If you also want to live your life with a greater sense of purpose, we encourage you to try and write a beginning mission statement for your life. The place to begin is where Jesus did-with Scripture. Through prayer and discernment in community with others, try to discover how you are called to work for God's purposes. Laurie Beth Jones, in her book The Path, stated that a good mission statement "should be no more than a sentence long, should be easily understood by a 12-year-old and should be able to be recited by memory at gun point."
Many people tell us that they benefit tremendously from using their faith to help them refocus their lives. For example, Maureen recentlywalked through the death of both of her parents and several very close friends, and she is experiencing a tremen-
dous sense of loss. Her mission statement comes from Isa. 58:12 and reads: "To reclaim the land and to rebuild the walls" in the lives of others who have also experienced painful loss. Her mission statement has motivated her to go back to school and she is now studying to be a counselor to work with the bereaved.
Ivan was a Christian businessman whose life was overwhelmed not only by busyness but also by fear and a sense of his own brokenness. He drafted a mission statement that read: "I commit my life to partnering with God in projecting God's love to the unloved." As an expression of his mission statement he started using his leisure time to work with disabled kids. He even passed up promotions to protect his leisure time to work with these kids. Ivan told us, "Once I resolved to live my life with God's
Tithing our lives
A reflection on Deuteronomy 28:1·15 by Laurie Oswald
"And now I bring the firstfruits of the soil that you, 0 LORD, have given me" (Deur. 26:10).
AS A SINGLE WOMAN, I find charge cards Inviting. Cars break down, bills overwhelm, toothaches need expensive dental work-so get out the plastic. Some time ago, my debt skyrocketed to to payoff without cutbacks In living expenses and tithIng. If God had given me a mate, I reasoned, then I wouldn't have these financial worries, and so I justified my overspending.
After wise advice from a Christian debt counselor and a dear friend, I decided to talk with my pastor and confess to him how poorly I had managed my finances.
We discussed what It would mean to tithe on my life, not just my pocketbook, during this season of debt-shrlnkage. He helped me break through the shame of financial failure to understand that I could stili give flrstfrults from life (Deut. 26:2). I could give my whole heart to God and others In loving
service. I could help an overworked secretary get out the church newsletter. I could build loving relationships with two elderly women who are on the fringes of our congregation.
TIthing by giving 10 percent of our salary Is a sacred thing to do. But 100 percent of our life Is sacred, because It's God's property. We don't need to walt for ftnanclal failure before we reach out
with God's rich love. From the pocket· books of our hearts we can start today to give the coins of our time and the cIc* lars of our emotional energies••
Laurie Oswald is news service director for Mennonite Church USA, an Anabaptist denomination. This article is reprinted from Rejoice!, an interMennonite devotional magaZine.
purposes at the center, everything else was transfonned. Never have I been more at peace with myself or more fulfilled."
nting your timestyle 8r lifestyle to first things first • enough to draft a mission statement. Like Ivan and Maureen it is important to actually put wheels under it so that it helps you refocus your life and reorder your priorities. We find it helpful to use our mission statement to write goals for every part of our lives, from relationships to the stewardship of our time and money. Use your goals to begin the creative process of reinventing your timestyles and lifestyles in ways that clearly reflect your sense of calling.
Christine and I encourage you to begin this cre· ative process by freeing-up as much time in your weekly schedule as possible. For example, attempt to cluster all your errands together, reduce your television time and even consider getting off some committees at work or at church. Then don't schedule anything else into that time but simply savor it and do spontaneous things that give you life, from walking by a lake to visiting a friend or taking time to simply be quiet with God.
Next we suggest that you actually start creating new ways to use your time and money that genuinely reflect your sense of mission. We recommend that Christians free-up daily time for Scripture and prayer, weekly time for witness and service and more significant time for relationships and celebration. I think you will find one of the immediate benefits of having a mission statement is that it will help you say "no" much more easily because you have a much clearer idea of what you are supposed to be doing with your life.
A family in Seattle freed up two hours a week with their kids to visit a nursing home where their two young children read stories to the seniors. An older couple in Denver whose kids had left home, sold their huge home that was now too large for them and used their profits to enable two younger couples in their church to swing a down payment for their first homes.
Don changed his schedule so that he would have more time to be with his two young sons. He planned to sign them up for Little League and get involved himself until he took a closer look. He discovered that in his racially blended neighborhood there were a number of kids who couldn't afford to play Little League. He was also put off by some of the parents' ''win at any cost" attitude. So he invented an alternative. He created an informal neighborhood baseball league that all the kids could afford.
And instead of the heavy emphasis on winning, this league taught teamwork and leadership skills as the older kids taught the younger kids how to play.
,t" all begins with a party
Over and over again Christine and I have seen that when people are able to discover something of God's call on their lives it not only sets them free from the rat race but it enables them to create whole new models of life and celebration. We encourage people to begin their timestyle and lifestyle change by adding some celebration to their lives.
We are convinced that we can do better than relying on Madonna, Brittney Spears, Survivor and Who wants to Be a Millionaire to define the celebration of our lives. We can create family rituals, celebrate important milestones, create a liturgy of life and celebrations of life that come directly out of our faith instead of out of pop consumer culture.
For example, Christine and I create a celebration every Advent season that we call "Advent II: Homecoming." One year we had a large group of people over to our home and celebrated the kingdom homecoming as a festive international banquet. First, we asked people to share their stories of important times of homecoming or family reunion. Then we read about the kingdom banquet that God is preparing for us at the Great Homecoming (lsa. 25:6-9). Then we invited our friends to dive into a feast of foods from African, Asian, Latin American and Western cultures to give us a small foretaste of the advent of the coming Christ and God's new order of restoration, shalom and celebration.
Putting first things first
Are you looking for a way to connect your Sunday faith to your life seven days a week? Then this is your invitation to join others across this country who are putting first things first and are finding a more celebrative way of life with a difference. •
Tom Sine is a Christian futurist who works with denominations, colleges, seminaries and mission organizations in a number of different countries. The research for this article is drawn from a new book he and his wife Christine have written together entitled: Living on Purpose: Finding God's Best (Baker Books 2002, (800) 679-1957). It is designed to be used as a study book for those that want to live with a greater sense of intentionality. You can interact with them at Mustard Seed Associates msasines@cs.com or visit www.msainfo.org. The Sines will be presenting a workshop at the joint u.s. and Canadian conventions this summer.
Use your goals to begin the creative process of reinventing your timestyles and lifestyles in ways that clearly reflect your sense of calling.
BY JON c. WIEBE
"Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops" (Prov. 3:9).
INTRIGUING WORD5-Bur WHAT DO THEY mean? What if I'm not wealthy? What are firstfruits? Does this apply only to me or does this concept apply to the local church, too?
Our own wealth and firstfruits
First, we need to get one thing straight: We in the United States are wealthy. When we read Bible passages that speak of money, the rich or wealth, we tend to apply them to someone else. We invariably look at the person in the next higher income bracket and transfer the teaching of these passages to them. We too easily forget that there is always someone in a lower income range who applies the teaching to us. Each of us is a rich person to someone else; therefore, these teachings apply to all of us. All of us are instructed to honor the Lord with our firstfruits.
So, what is this notion of "firstfruits"? The concept was first recorded in Genesis when Cain and Abel brought an offering to the Lord. Abel, in particular, was blessed for bringing his gift from the first and best of his crops (Gen. 4:4). Since that time, the instruction to offer our first and best has been at the forefront of what it means to honor the Lord through giving. The Israelites were commanded to not only give (tithe), but to give to God out of the first and best (Exod. 34:26; Lev. 23:9-14; Deut. 14:22-29). Even the priests were instructed to offer to God their tithe from Israel's tithe to them (Num. 18:25-32).
The firstfruits tithe was more than a predetermined percentage of one's income. Firstfruits offerings were made of the firstborn of all cattle (Num. 18:15). The priests and Levites were set aside as a "tithe" ofIsrael's population (Num. 8:14-19). Even the firstborn child was to be dedicated to God (Num. 18:15). In fact, the city of]ericho was a firstfruits gift by the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land (Josh. 6:21).
While the New Testament never specifically mentions the concept of firstfruits, it certainly says nothing to contradict that God deserves our first and best, materially and otherwise. In fact, New Testament church practices support the concept. Historically, when God's people collected funds-whether in the tabernacle, temple, synagogue or New Testament church-funds came in with the absolutely clear understanding that funds were going to go out. Some were given to those called to full-time service in the religious community. Some were kept on hand to cover program and facility costs. A large portion went for service to the poor or persecuted. Because of God's great gifts to us-ultimately expressed by giving
us Jesus, his first and best-a firstfruits lifestyle reflects the bounty we have received (2 Cor. 8:6-12).
Applying firstfruits to church
So, what does all of this have to do with today's congregations? Households, congregations and institutions are only temporary caretakers of financial resources. They should be an example of generosity, even as they care for their own well-being (Lev. 1-7; Acts 4:1-37; Acts 6:1-7).
Unfortunately, congregations have a hard time doing this. National research reflects that:
• Giving as a percent of income has been decliningfor the past three decades.
• Only eight percent of "born agains" tithe to a local church.
• 16 percent of Christians don't give anything to a local church.
These are startling statistics, but what can we expect when our local church follows the very same trends? Many of our churches are guilty of focusing more on local priorities rather than being generous to a world in need. Most of our churches give to the extended ministries of our conference and denomination only after local needs have been met. How can we expect the members of our congregations to live a life of generosity and faithful giving when we don't model this concept as an organization?
Many congregations struggle to be a corporate example of firstfruits living. Almost every congregation says something about individuals giving their money, time and talents to God. They state these gifts should be the first and best, not the blemished and leftover.
But too few congregations corporately practice what they preach. They wait to send money to mission agencies until they know they can pay the light bill and the pastor's salary. The congregation's generosity comes as a leftover, sometimes after the last month of the fiscal year. The first and best are not given in love, but kept back until December in case things do not pan out This is a practice congregations would not want individual members to follow with household finances.
Few church attendees can articulate this lack of firstfruits modeling, but most feel the effects of the institution's stewardship practice. The theology played out in congregational financial management speaks as loudly as any sermon.
Steps toward firstfruits giving
So what can our congregations do differently to practice firstfruits giving in the church? The following three-step process for creating a church spending plan is outlined by Mark Vincent in Teaching a Christian View ofMoney.
Each of us is a rich person to someone else; therefore these teachings apply to all of us. All of us are instructed to honor the Lord with our firstfruits.
Step BaH,,"," 1:000gregmHnt IPw"g. Any reasonable budget or spending plan begins with some assumptions for income. If these aren't realistic, the entire process is suspect. Ask yourself, Does our congregation estimate what we will give or what the church needs? Estimating giving may be done as simply as taking last year's income and making adjustments for the economy, growth or decline in attendance and the impact of new initiatives or teaching. On the other hand, it may be as involved as collecting pledges. The method is up to the local church, but the starting point is crucial to establishing a spending plan with integrity.
Step 2: Set lleeortling 10 eongreglllimull",iaiort. Generally, a congregation dispenses money in each of three categories:
• Local ministry: maintaining a center for worship and local operations;
• Staff: being generous with those called to serve the church; and
• Benevolences: helping the needy in the church and around the world.
Beginning our budget process by focusing on these broad strokes will help us stay focused on the mission God has given the local church. Sometimes, moving into the line-item detail too quickly causes us to get bogged down in the details and leaves us unable to see the big piCture. How a church portions out its money is based on a congregation's size, obligations it carries over from one year to the next and its definition of mission. This step allows a congregation to set goals for the percentages they want to give to each area, in order to fulfill their mission. Lyle Schaller, church consultant and author, has observed that healthy congregations tend to fall within the following ranges for dispensing their funds:
• Local ministry: 1()'25 percent of spending plan;
• Staff: 40-60 percent of spending plan; and
• Benevolences: 15-50 percent of spending plan.
Step 3: fI1iIb eongreglllimull fIision for the aexI YfUlr. The
LEARNING HOW TO GIVE-AN ORGANIZATION THAT CAN HELP
Mennonite Brethren Foundation
THE MISSION of the Mennonite Brethren Foundation is tW<rfold:
• To encourage and assist individuals in faithful stewardship for the benefit of Mennonite Brethren and MB organizations and to assist in strengthening the long-term financial condition of those ministries.
• To provide all fiscally responsible capital requirements of the U.S. Conference of MB Churches and affiliated MB organizations.
5ervIces and ministries:
• Stewardship Education. It is our desire to partner with churches and individuals to nurture the joy of generosity and the rewards of faithfulness. We want to enable the local congregation to establish meaningful and effective methods for passing on biblical values regarding money.
• Charitable Estate Planning services. Through consultation with families and individuals, Mennonite Brethren Foundation offers assistance
in organizing estates to benefit a donor's family and the charitable cause(s) they love. Many individuals and families have made significant bequests to benefit ministries, and have a bequest form or donor-advised memorandum on file with us. We have experienced attorneys to assist us when the need arises.
• Charitable Gift Annuities. We offer Charitable Gift Annuities to individuals who wish to receive a fixed income for life, as well as to make a charitable gift upon the death of all income beneficiaries. MB Foundation has nearly 100 annuity agreements with the prospect of over $3 million to benefit various ministries as determined by the donor(s).
• Charitable Trusts. We currently serve as trustee for 21 Charitable Trusts. The potential gift value is over $4.8 million.
• Endowment Funds. MB Foundation manages Endowment Funds for MB ministries, family memorials and
other generous individuals. We currently manage nearly $15 million in Endowment Funds.
• Other Gift Plans. Our advisors also make available other gift plans to donors, such as donation accounts, life estate plans, charitable lead trusts and pay on death certificates.
• Loan Fund. MB Foundation offers loans for capital improvements to institutions and congregations associated with the U.S. Conference of MB Churches. Our loan balance presently exceeds $24.6 million.
• Ministry Investment Fund. We offer an investment opportunity to individuals and organizations through our Ministry Investment Fund. A significant portion of the capital for our Loan Fund is provided through our Ministry Investment Fund, which currently totals over $17 million. -JW
For more Infonnatlon, please call (BOO) 551-1541 or visit www.mbfoundatlon.com.
church can now allocate financial resources to the line items within each of the categories, in accordance with the mission and goals of the congregation.
In doing this, the church has an almost unlimited potential for being generous. For example:
• If a church plans to spend $100,000, 25 percent ($25,000) has already been earmarked for needy people in the community and around the world. The rest is divided between local operations and staff compensation. Twenty-five cents of each dollar collected is earmarked immediately. The remaining 75 cents is used as needed.
• When the church actually collects $100,000, $25,000 is already distributed to its promised extended ministries, and $75,000 is raised for local operations and staff compensation. Whatever other money is collected on top of the $100,000 can be given totally to extended ministries of the congregation.
A church experiences unlimited potential for generosity because 25 percent of the regular offering is always given away. Once the entire estimate is collect-
ed, aU giving can be designated to additional special ministry projects. People have more freedom to do aU their giving in worship with the local congregation.
Firstfruits lifestyle
A church that practices firstfruits giving supports individuals and households who practice firstfruits giving. Churches that wait until aU local bills are covered before contributing to kingdom work beyond themselves teach church members to do the same with their income. It's time we practice what we preach-let's all strive to live a firstfruits lifestyle, both corporately and individually.•
Jon Wiebe is president and CEO of Mennonite Brethren Foundation, the stewardship ministry of the U.S. Conference of MB Churches (see profile on page 10). Wiebe is a member of Parkview MB Church in Hillsboro, Kan. The author gives spectal thanks to Mark Vincent from Design for Ministry for insights on this important topic.
LEARNING HOW TO GIVE-AN ORGANIZATION THAT CAN HELP
Mennonite Mutual Aid
MENNONITE MUTUAL Aid is an inter-Mennonite agency that leads Anabaptists toward greater practice of biblical principles of holistic stewardship. MMA regards the MB church as one of its owner-partners, although legally it is owned by the Mennonite Church USA. It includes two MB representatives on its board of directors.
5enlces b : Fund 1ds. MMA meets needs of individuals, congrega:tions and local communities through its Sharing Fund grants. seventeen grant programs are available including the Adoption Expense Grant, to help cover the expense of adopting a child; the ContinUing Education Grant for Pastoral Staff, to provide support for educational workshops, seminars and classes; the Health Promotion Grant, to help congregations develop programs that promote health, well-being and caring; and the Youth Group service Grant, to assist church youth
groups with work and service trips. MMA expects that its grants will be matched by local giving. Congrega:tions gain full access to Sharing Fund grants through a congregational advocate who actively communicates with MMA.
• Healtlll..... nmce. MMA has long been known as a health insurance provider. MMA's insurance is classified by the government as a fraternal organization, which means that MMA does not pay taxes on its insurance products. However, MMA is required to collect the equivalent of taxes and disburse the money to its membership. This money is the basis for the Sharing Fund. MMA also practices firstfruits giving by tithing from its other corporate profits to the Sharing Fund. In 2001, MB churches received $137,070 from the Sharing Fund, which they matched with $191,081. The Sharing Fund disbursed over $2.3 million in 2001.
• Education and Inveatl.... MMA also promotes stewardship through education about healthy living, through its innovative Stewardship University program and through Praxis Mutual Funds. With Praxis Mutual Funds, Christians can be sure that their investment decisions match their biblical values. MMA's investments are guided by a commitment not to invest in companies involved in tobacco, alcohol, gambling and weapons production. In addition, MMA is active in shareholder advocacy in which MMA uses its position as a stockholder to encourage companies to conduct business in just and life affirming ways. For Instance, MMA was a leader in opposing ATT's decision to acquire a pornographic cable television channel. -David Faber, MMA board member and member of Ebenfeld MB Church in Hillsboro, Kan.
For more Information, contact MMA at www.mnuHnllne.o.ll 01' call (800) 348-7468.
BY JOHN LONGHURST
DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR SAVINGS are right now?
If you're like most Americans, the answer is no. like millions of others, you have money invested in mutual funds, either personally or through your retirement plan. And, like most others, you probably don't know exactly where your money is right now.
It's probably not out doing anything bad. But it might be. It could be being used to make R-rated movies, cigarettes or alcohol. It could be loaned to companies that operate casinos. It might be used by finns that pay their employees poorly, have poor working conditions or that pollute the air and oceans.
In other words, your money might be in places that you would be embarrassed to go yourself.
Uh-oh, some of you are saying. Here comes another bit of propaganda from that tiny group of idealistic, cranky, sandal-wearing, simple-lifestyle, left-leaning tree-huggers.
Don't tum thepage yet.
I'm not talking about a few folks in Birkenstocks pooling the money they save by not driving a car and investing it in a home-based natural yogurt and macrame business down the street.
I'm talking about big money-over $2 trillion, according to Social Investment Forum-invested by millions of average Americans through something called socially responsible investing (SRI).
What is socially responsible investing? Basically, it's a way for people to put their wallets and values in the same place. When it first appeared 30 years ago, the idea of using retirement money to make an ethical statement was a pretty radical concept, accepted by few (those tree huggers, again) But now it's gone mainstream. Today there are almost 200 SRI funds to choose from, all of them offering investors what is called a "double bottom line"-the knowledge that they are making the world a better place, while at the same time earning money.
But can I make money?
But what about those financial returns? It's all well and good to try to do your bit to make the air cleaner. But what about your future financial needs?
Here's the really interesting part: Not only do people who practice SRI have the good feeling of doing the right thing with their money but they actually make money, too. SRI funds have, in general, kept pace with the market or outperformed it on a fairly consistent basis over the past few years.
The on-line magazine CCNMoney reports that social funds enjoyed the same kind of double-digit returns as their peers during the bull market of the late 19905, and have done no worse than other funds since the market swung the other direction.
Many, in fact, have done better-45 of the 115 social funds tracked by the investment research firm Morningstar outperformed 75 percent of their category for the year through the end of November 2001.
The Domini 400 Social Index (DSI), the most popular index of social investing, outperformed the Standard & Poor 500 by about 1 percent over the last 10 years. A report by the Social Investment Forum shows that assets in SRis grew 1.5 times faster than money in more traditional funds between 1999 and 2001.
Surprised? You're not alone. Many investors don't know that you can do good, and do well at the same time. The performance of socially responsible indexes and mutual funds supports the notion that investing with your values does not necessarily compromise financial gains. On the contrary, some financial analysts suggest that companies that pay close attention to social and environmental risks and opportunities will be more competitive in the long run.
How it works
What makes a SRI fund different? The way it screens companies that it will invest in.
All fund managers screen companies for financial profitability-the maximum return. But SRI funds also screen for things like:
• how companies affect the environment;
• how they treat employees;
• whether they make alcohol, tobacco or fireanns;
• if they provide services to gambling operations;
• if they own or operate nuclear power plants;
• whether they do testing on animals;
• if they support abortion;
• if they make pornography or violent movies; or
• if they earn significant revenues from making weapons.
You name it-no matter what your ethical or moral concern, you can probably find an SRI that addresses it.
There are also funds owned by churches or church-related groups, including Mennonites. Praxis, owned by Mennonite Mutual Aid, seeks out companies that support positive values such as respect for human dignity, responsible management and environmental stewardship, while avoiding industries and activities like gambling, alcohol, tobacco and military contracting.
Another Mennonite-related fund is the Sarona Global Investment Fund (see "Old is new for MEDA") owned by Mennonite Economic Development Associates. Sarona differs from other SRis in that it doesn't avoid certain companies, but rather targets investments in businesses which assist the poor in the developing world.
Find out more about socially responslbl. Investing: .SocW InwNtment Forum, www. HC1IIIInWUf.",. • DomInI.."" EquIty FuttIM, www.domInI.COIIJ I!I ""'-' www. """""'''''.01'6/ """..",..,./ "'1l.htmI GIoNI Inveetment Fund, www.8MJnaltmd. com .AIeo .... ."..cIt bY Amy DomInI, DomInI.."" Equity FIIttG, to tile 200:1 MEDA conVMtlon lit www.medlt. OC/CllIIhW/ domInI.htmI
Is an SRI for you?
Like any investment decision, investing in an SRI requires some research. Many people will try a small investment first, just to see how it works and if they like it. The Sarona Fund, for example, welcomes people to invest a token amount of $1,000 as a way of expressing their desire to help poor people in the developing world.
Investing in an SRI isn't perfect. There's no such thing as sainthood in the corporate world. If you look long and hard enough, you can find something wrong with most (if not all) of the companies that SRI funds invest in. People wanting perfect investments will be disappointed. But if supporting com-
Old is neW" for
IN 1964, when Mennonite refugees In Paraguay were looking for a name for their new dalry-made possible by the very first loan from Mennonite Economic Development Associates-they came up with "Sarona."
Now, 48 years later, It Is the name of MEDA's socially responsible investment fund: the Sarona Global Investment Fund.
The name comes from the German word "Saron," or "Sharon" In English. It Is the name of a plain In Palestine, extending from the Mediterranean to the hili country to the west of Jerusalem, celebrated In the Old Testament for Its beauty and fertility (1 Chron. 27:29; Isa. 33:9; 35:2; 65:10).
By calling their new dairy "Sarona," the refugees were expressing their hope that it would be Just as bountiful
panies that are trying to make the world a better place-or at least not harm it too much-is important to you, then you might consider investing some of your savings in a socially responsible manner. By investing in an SRI, you may not change the world. But you will likely feel better knowing where your money is--and what it is doing when you're not looking. And maybe together all those small investments will add up to make some real differences around the world. •
John Longhurst is an author and the coordinator of marketing and media relations for MEDA
MEDA socially responsible investment fund
Is building on this history to serve low-lncome people today. The fund, which specifically targets enterprises which benefit poor people In the developing world, has $4.5 million In assets, with money coming from Individual depositors and from MEDA, Mennonite Mutual Aid, the Calvert Group, Mennonite savIngs and Credit Union In Kltchener, Onto and VanCIty, a credit union In British Columbia.
as the biblical plain of Sharon.
Their hopes became reality. Through the dairy, their cattle stock was Improved, milk yields were Increased, agricultural practices were enhanced and Jobs were created. The dairy closed down In 2001 after 47 years of 0peration, much of that time In private hands.
The Sarona Global Investment Fund
"We want the Sarona Global Investment Fund to be as SL'CC8Ssful as the original dairy," says sarona PresIdent Gerhard PrIes, adding that "the name Is a way we can honor our history as we look to the future."
People who want to participate In or get more Infonnatlon about the Fund can do so by calling (877) 772-7662 or visiting www.saronafund.com. - JL
Stewardship
a.r. ClP 'L •• '" we ........ ....,...lnlt to ........ CIeIIt8r. God ............. ofthe ..... to ........... wIIo ..
.., .. 1tI ......... Good atew8IdIhIp .........'. 8IIund8nce to meet hum8n , but unjuet exp1oitation of the eerth 8IId ItI peo-
MENNONITE BRETHREN CONFESSION OF FAITH
• .......... LM-.
To confesa Jesus Lord tr8naforma values. Jesus wem8 that we cannot serv. both God and wealth. Preoocupatlon with money and poseesslona, self-Indulgent 11vI and rness to
Ge.... G......
...... All God' to be accumulat. wealth for per- sIonI .. their own, but manrecetled with thanka&MnI sonal 8dvantage are not In all their resources, 8IId III8d responsibly. keepI with the teachl... including money, time abllIof SCripture. ties 8IId 1ntIuence, In eM ways that give glory to God. They do not deIpIIe the poor but practice mutualid within the church and ah.what they have with others In need. God's people seek to embrace a lifestyle of slmplicity and contentment••
The BIble teaches cheerful, sacrificial and pr0portional aJvIng through the church In grateful response to God's goodn.... Christians do not claim any of their posse&-
Gen. :1.:28; Lev. 25; Deut.15:7·:1.3.; Ps. 24:3.; 3.3.5:3.6; Provo 3.4:33.; Amos 6:4-7; Mal. 3:6-10; Matt. 6:3.9-34; 25:3.4-30; Luke 5:38; 12:13-21; Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-37;:1. Cor. 4:7; 16:2; 2 Cor. 8-9; Gal. 5:7; Eph. 4:28; 1 nm. 17·19; James 2:1·7, 5:1·5; 1 John Jude 11
The most important way we teach our children about giving is through example.
my Jesus bank every week," Jonathan announced. "Dad, can you help me count my Jesus money?"
For the next few minutes we counted pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. "Wowl" Jonathan's eyes got big. '1esus is rich! A dollar and 28 cents!"
Janelle, three-years-old, seemed less impressed with how much money was in her Jesus bank than she was with the urgency of remembering to give to Jesus every week. "If we don't give Jesus money, then he will be hungry," she explained with a look of deep concern, "and that will make him very sad."
From time to time, money comes out of the kids' Jesus banks, and those times can be special. Last Christmas we started a family tradition of having a birthday party for Jesus shortly before Christmas. As we sat around the table after supper I asked the kids, "Do you know how we can give a birthday present to Jesus?"
"No," they answered.
"Well, Jesus sald that any time we help someone who is hungry, or thirsty, or sick, or needs clothes, or is in jail, we are helping him. So what are some ways we might give Jesus a present?"
We came up with three or four options. The kids chose an idea suggested by my sister-helping the kids in a Central American refugee family come to the United States with their mother to join their father. Jonathan and Janelle emptied their Jesus banks coming up with a total of 37 cents. Melody and I added some from our sharing fund (our equivalent of their Jesus banks) and they wrapped the gift. Jonathan copied "Happy Birthday, Jesus!" onto the name tag.
Then we all piled into the car to go see the man who was arranging for the plane tickets. The kids presented the gift to him, we lit the candles on the birthday cake we had brought, and everyone sang " Happy birthday, dear Jesus'"
Jonathan and Janelle have already forgotten most of the Christmas gifts they gave and received last Christmas, but one gift they still remember clearly: a
37 cent birthday gift to Jesus from their Jesus banks.
For our family, Jesus banks are proving to be a great way to nurture both cheerful generosity and responsible stewardship. Whenever our children get money, they give Jesus his part first. Giving to Jesus is fun. They love it!
Besides generosity, Jesus banks help our children develop responsibility. Jonathan and Janelle are each responsible to decide how to distribute their Jesus money. Some of it, of course, goes into the offering at church. Twice, in response to seeing famine victims on lV, Jonathan has sent money from his Jesus bank to a Christian relief organization to help feed hungry people. And sometimes they have a chance to give directly to an individual. They are learning that these are all ways to give to Jesus, and that it is their responsibility to decide how best to help people with their Jesus money.
They are discovering yet one more thing: by setting aside money every week for Jesus, when they learn of a need, they have more to give. Jonathan's last gift for victims of famine in Africa was $1.25. For him, that's five weeks' income. And he still had some left in his Jesus bank for other needs.
The most important way we teach oue children about giving is through example. Because much of our family giving consists of giving something tangible to families or individuals, our children are much more aware of our giving than they would be if we only wrote checks. They often go with us to buy a gift or to deliver it. Sometimes one of them even comes up with the idea.
For several years Melody and I have found creative giving to be a consistent source of joy in our own lives. We are now discovering that passing that joy along to our children is for us one of the most delightful privileges of being parents. •
Eddy Hall is an author and freelance writer living in Goessel, Kan.
Clean up our own me.. first
While trying to keep up with events that are happening around the world, I observed that our leaders are proclaiming that there are some nations who form an "axis of evil. "
One of these nations supposedly is building weapons of mass destruction while their people lack food. I read just recently that in the U.S. 34 million children go to bed hungry or not knowing where their next meal is coming from. Over 40 million Americans lack health insurance, all this when we are going to increase our military budget how many billions of dollars?
Another of these evil nations is accused of killing their own people. I assume it doesn't count as killing when over 30 million babies have been aborted in the U.S.
In America we had a day proclaimed as Sanctity of life Day. I suppose this only applies to people who live in the U.S. and not to the people we are at war with.
In the U.S., nearly 17,000 people died in 2001 as the result of drunken drivers-far more than were killed in the terrorist attacks. Yet alcohol is advertised and sold freely with the blessing of our government.
Divorce is rampant in our country. Children are neglected and abused. Immorality is laughed at. Fraud and deception are everyday events. The list could go on.
The Christian Leader welcomes brief letters on topics relevant to the Mennonite Brethren Church. All letters must be signed and will be edited for clarity and length. Send letters to Christian Leader, 101 N. Capitol Parkway, Montgomery, Alabama 36107 (e-mail: editor@usmb.org).
And our leaders have the nerve to call other nations evil. I think we as a nation need to look in the mirror and clean up our own mess before we tell other people to get their houses in order.
Donovan Ediger Inman,Kan.
Hide the light
What an enlightening letter by Jose Elizondo and Kathy Wiest, of the West Coast Mennonite Central Committee office, in the February 2002 issue of the Leader (What Readers Say). Someone finally has theguts to explain the clear correlation between secrecy and witness: to unfold for us the obvious biblical mandate by Paul in 1 Cor. 9:22 that "becoming all things to all men" means that if the gospel needs hiding, hide it! Hmm.
Is it too cliche'd
To want to ponder
The shell-gamed bushel
The light Is under?
At MCC entrenchment, Diane Reimer wondered
And the answer came, "C'mon Diane-light went out with the dark ages. n
Brace yourself for neo-Anabaptist (but safe) rationalization. Let us all pray that MCC can hide Christ long enough for the whole world to be reached.
John Kliewer Derby, Kan.
Editor's Note: In referring to Diane Reimer above, the writer Is alluding to a letter written by Reimer and published in theJanuary 2002 Issue of the Leader.
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BY PHILIP WIEBE
Going on cruise control
Reflections fro1n a week on tbe sea
WHEN SOMEONE IS COASTING
along in life without trying to learn or grow, that's sometimes described as being on "cruise control." It isn't a compliment. Someone "cruising" through life is usually pitied. They need to get some goals, put out some effort, make something of themselves.
However, an occasional flip of the cruise control switch isn't a bad thing. Everyone needs a vacation. All rest and no effort may be a bad way to live, but so is all effort with no rest.
That's why my wife and I recently went on literal cruise control for a week. We took a Caribbean cruise to various tropical locales.
Funny thing though. I expected our cruise to be kind of a cruise (you know, lounging around with pineapple-intensive beverages and that sort of thing) but it really didn't tum out that way. We were so active during our trip that after getting home our muscles ached for days.
I also expected my brain to go cruising while we were on our cruise. In other words, I wasn't planning on doing a lot of heavy thinking. But sur· prisingly, the week provided a number of opportunities for reflection. Here are a few highlights:
•I brought a book along called Searching/or Paradise, in which author Thurston Clarke chronicles his voyages to various islands around the world. He wrote about two my wife and I visited on our trip, Grand Cayman and Roatan, Honduras. Clarke didn't like these islands much, calling them touristy and overdeveloped.
As one who isn't too crazy about crowds myself, I wondered if these islands would strike me that way too. But they didn't. Grand Cayman was
indeed very developed, but I liked it anyway, especially during our excursion into the bay to snorkel with dozens of graceful stingrays. Roatan was even better. It seemed only semideveloped to me and was the place of my favorite outing for the week, a snorkeling and sea kayaking tour along lovely reefs and beaches.
I suppose it's all a matter of perspective. Not being a world traveler, I thought the islands we visited seemed pretty exotic and remote. And interestingly, though there were thousands on our cruise ship, it never felt crowded or claustrophobic. There were always lonely decks and vistas available to get out and muse over the moving sea.
• The movement of the water was a constant source of fascinationfor me. Or should I say the movement of the ship through the water. I'd sort of thought of a cruise as a lazy meander through benign tropical seas, but that wasn't really the case. Ours was a very powerful vessel slicing through a very powerful ocean. On the way back to Miami from our last Caribbean port, we were plowing through swells as high as 26 feet. That was an awesome, and somewhat unnerving, experience.
It reminded me that in life, even when the seas seem smooth, we're always moving through a vast, com· plex, unpredictable universe. To jump out and try to swim the endless ocean alone would be madness. How marvelous that we have a sturdy ship and fellow travelers to help carry us along in our voyage. I'm speaking of the church, of course, and of God's Spirit who leads us insightfully through life's treacherous shoals and currents.
• The Caribbean water also reminded me of heaven. Revelation 21
describes a vision of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem: "It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal" (v. 11). A few verses later there are added descriptions of walls and foundations appearing like sapphire, emerald, chrysolite, topaz, amethyst and other crystalline materials. In this portrayal I've always pictured an exquisite translucence somehow glowing from the inside.
That's exactly how the waters surrounding our Caribbean islands looked to me. Whenever excursion skiffs would whisk us away through shallower seas, I'd raptly watch the changing colors of the water beneath. Depending on the patterns of rock and reef and sand below, the water passed in various shades of green, blue, violet and turquoise, all with a stunning translucence that seemed to glow from within. It was simply one of the most beautiful sights I've seen on this earth.
•A few days before we left on our cruise I was getting a little (or maybe a lot) stressed with all the preparations and packing and work left to do. As always in these cases, I began to wonder if trying to leave town for a week was really worth it. Then I had a thought that put it all in perspective. It occurred to me that my main goal for the trip was not so much to have a great cruise, but to get some great relationship time with my wife.
Often I forget that in my spiritual life too. I get so focused on the tasks of Christianity and the responsibilities of ministry involvement that I forget my highest goal and calling-to spend time with Jesus, get to know him better and simply enjoy his company.•
BY MARVIN HEIN
Questions about faith and life
Voicing concerns to politicians and what Morrnons believe about]esus
QHow effective for voicing our Christian concerns to politicians are letters, petitions, telephone calls and other means of communication with people Involved In government? (illinois)
AThis question was posed in a small group of church leaders, including Mennonites, Baptists, Moravian Brethren and others at a recent meeting in the Chicago area. Somehow I, personally, have often suspected that such methods (even including lobbyingin Washington, D. C.) were relatively futile. It may be the cynic in me! How is a letter on a certain issue, signed by a hundred church members, received by a senator or congressman or even the President? Does the message get to the intended recipient or is it received by an office aide who may register my concern, possibly reply with a message that is likely a form letter, and then file it away?
In this small group was a 12-year-veteran of the United States House of Representatives, who is a very active churchman. Now, I'm not suggesting that his statements are universally true of all politicians and the manner in which they view constituency messages. He rather shocked some of us by saying, in effect, "In my experience as a Congressman, I can tell you that generally form letters are useless and petitions are superfluous." That wasn't very good news, but it confirmed some of my earlier suspicions.
However, this public servant did have some positive suggestions if you write a letter. Let it be one personally written and signed only by you. A telephone call, he suggested, would be
even more readily received. But his chief suggestion was that Christians, if at all possible, should develop personal relationships with people involved in local, state and national governments. He illustrated by recalling how the most effective "lobbyist" during his tenure in the House had been a Jewish family in Washington, D. C. who "adopted" him, actually inviting him into their home for meals. When they spoke to political issues, he was constrained to listen. We cannot all create such entrees to people in power. We can, however, give witness to our faith in ways that create a "hearing attitude" in those we seek to influence. Sometimes it may be wiser to ask questions than to declare "dictums" that suggest we know the whole truth. Politics and political problems are often complex issues and we may not have sufficient information to make profitable suggestions. When we do speak or write, we might do well to do so humbly, admitting we probably don't know the whole story. But then we can voice our views.
QHow can the Mormons say that they believe In Jesus as Son of God and the center of their relIgion? (Callfomla)
AThis inquiry came from someone who had attended the recent Olympic Games and listened to the Latter Day Saint's "pitch" at the Visitor's Center. I am certainly not an expert on Mormonism, even though I live in an area where they are very prominent. I have to rely on what others say. Marvin Olasky, who has been active in government circles and more recently in Christian publications,
Have a question about a Bible passage, doctrine, confereru:e policy, or other spiritual Issue? E·matl Marvtn at mbetnl @fresno. edu or send your questton to "Inquiring Minds, .. c/o Marvtn Hetn, 4812 E. Butler, Fresno, CA 93727.
recently wrote a column whose subheading was "a primer on Mormon theology." These are his views on how Jesus is perceived in the IDS church.
The Book of Mormon, or at least Mormon teachers, say that Jesus came to America after his resurrection, performed miracles and chose 12 "Nephites" to be his American disciples. Mormons believe that in following their American leaders and their revelations, they are following Christ. They teach that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are three gods, each achieving this status from a lesser state. Their current head of the church, President Hinckley, has said, according to Olasky, that the "traditional Christ," (the one we Christians follow) is not "the Christ of whom I speak." His Jesus was supposedly the first of billions of men and women who would live on the earth. We then are Christ's spirit brothers and sisters in heaven and can grow with Christ to spirit adulthood. Somewhere in the process Jesus was chosen to become a Savior for his sisters and brothers, and he became a god. Part of the teaching of Mormons is to suggest that many others wait to become the kind of god Jesus became.
There are numerous other doctrines with which we would vigorously dis· agree. Baptism for the dead by proxy and insisting that couples married in a Mormon temple, having done good works, can become gods and goddesses are but two examples of difficulties we have with their doctrines. In any case, it is certain that the Jesus the IDS Church preaches is not the Jesus whom we follow, who went to the cross, was raised from the dead, and now waits for his bride, the Church.•
BY ROSE BUSCHMAN
Stock market lessons
AIIOUT J.O YEARS AGO I DECIDED to get serious about saving for my retirement. I did some research and decided that the best I could do was to put money into several mutual funds. Through a program in my school dIstrict I was able to set up a system of having my money taken directly from my paycheck each month and invested in the funds of my choice. Once the accounts were set up all I had to do was check the statements that arrived periodically. This was the 19908 and a good time to invest. Even though there were fluctuations in the market, I held onto my investments. With very little time and eflOrt on my part, my retirement nest egg was growing. I should have left "well-enough" alone. But I didn't.
At one point, I decided to try my hand at investing in individual stocks rather than more mutual funds. I spent a lot of time researching how to do it, read books and investment magazines and surfed the Internet looking for information. Every Friday night I listened to an investment program that aired on one of our local1V stations. After about six months I decided I was ready to take the plunge. With '3,100 out of my savings account I bought 100 shares of a company that had been recommended by one of the experts as a good buy.
Every few days I would get on the Internet and check to see how my stock was doing. I soon found out that I had bought when it was "high." As the weeks went by I watched my stock tumble from '31 a share to around '20. In just two months' time I lost '1000. Finally, I saw a program where the moderator outlined steps that could be taken at the end of the year to minimize the loss from falling stock prices. I decided to sell my stock. The proceeds from this sale were donated to my church and several charities so I
could get the end-of-the-year charitable donation tax: advantage. In the end my net loss was only about '350.
Losing money is never a pleasant experience, but that was not what bothered me the most about all of this. I was appalled at what had happened to me and my focus, my thinking and how I spent my time. I could hardly wait to get home from work and check to see what "my stock" was doing. I found myself worrying about the money I was losing. This one stock purchase was center stage in my thoughts and my actions. It was right at the top of what was most important in my life. Sadly, I didn't have much time for anything else.
Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also" (Matt. 6:21). How right he was and still is today! My heart, my mind and my thoughts were all wound up in that stock investment I had made and I didn't like it. Now from the vantage point of several years later, I'm glad I got rid of it. I decided not to make any more such investments. From a financial point of view it was a good decision for me. Last I checked, the stock is now worth only '13 a share. But what it really helped me do was change my focus on what was important. Jesus told us to "lay up treasures in heaven and not on earth" (Matt. 6:19-20). Now I was free to do that again.
Millard Fuller and his wife, Unda, experienced a similar kind of freedom. In his book, The Theology of tbe Hammer, Fuller describes his rise to riches. He decided at an early age that he wanted to be a wealthy person. In elementary school he started by raising pigs, chickens, rabbits and cattle and selling them for a profit. By the time he got to law school he and a fellow law student decided to start a company which was soon making a nice income for them. He worked very long hours
and was able to provide all the best for his wife and two children: a beautiful home in the right neighborhood, a Uncoin Continental car, a cabin on the lake and all the clothes, toys and vaca· tions they wanted. They even had a full-time maid to help with the housework and care of the children.
At one point the company treasurer told Fuller he was worth a million dollars. Fuller responded that his next goal was 10 million.
However, something happened to change his life forever. His wife told him that she was leaving him. The love and the joy they shared in the early years of their marriage before they had all this wealth were gone. She needed to get away and rethink her priorities and she left.
Eventually the Fullers did reconcile. However, they made some major changes in their life. They decided to sell their share of the business and give their money away. Fuller writes, "We wanted to make ourselves poor again in order to rekindle our own love relationship and to put ourselves right with God." They moved to Koinonia Farm near Americus, Ga., where they helped with its operation and studied God's word seeking direction for their lives.
Eventually, Millard and his wife, Linda, began Habitat for Humanity and the rest is history. This is now a worldwide Christian charitable organization that seeks to follow the biblical injunction to help the poor by offering them the means to affordable, decent housing.
The Fullers realized that "where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." Furthermore, they have learned, as I have, that changing to a life of "laying up treasures in heaven" is much more satisfying and fulfilling than raking in money for ourselves here on earth .•
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Leaders take steps to face growth and changes
Ministries agree to budget cuts to help make up anticipated $190,000 deficit
BY CARMEN ANDRES
U.s. Mennonite Brethren ministries are growing and new churches are joining the national MB family each year.
But this kind of growth comes with its challenges-including a deficit approaching $200,000 and the struggle
to find the right way to fund and organize the growth.
How will MBs face these and other challenges associated with national and ministrygrowth? This question dominated the agenda at the annual all-boards meetings last month in Fresno (see "Leaders report growth, new church
plant" on page 24), and conference and ministry leaders say there is definitely "a light at the end of the tunnel.»
Growing God's family
Over the last six years, growth of the u.s. Conference has included:
• birthing two new national ministries and inheriting at least three more ministries from the General Conference.
• adding 45 new churches-with a total of over 10,000 in attendance each Sunday-in the last 10 years through Integrated Ministries, the national ministry to immigrant people groups.
• adding six new churches planted
A brief U.S. Conference timeline
THE LAST SIX YEARS have been marked by change for the u.s. Confer· ence and the Board of Church Ministries.
.199S: Mission USA, the church planting and renewal ministry, was ofII. clally launched out of a 1993 powwow of confef. ence and organllatlon 1eaders who met In an effort to determine how to best do evangelism and conference ministry In the U.S. WIth the ministry's formation and growth came several adaptations to how mlnlstrtes were traditionally Rln. For example, MUSA's board Is substantially bigger than previous boards. Also, In 1999, In the face of growIng ministry needs, BCM gave the board pennlsslon to hire paid fundralsers, also a new practice.
.1998: Delegates to the u.s. national convention voted to expand BCM from
executive committee members, district tIYes and conference senior staff to also Include senior staff and chairs of confer. ence ministries. To date, that Includes MUSA, Board of Communications, Board of Trustees, Board of Faith and ute, MB foundation and MBMS International.
.1999: Delegates to the General Conferencethe joint conference of the Canadian and U.S. national conferences-voted to dissolve the conference and transfer Its ministries to the two North AmerIcan confer· ences. As a result, a new U.S. Conference ministry was fonned (Board of Faith and ute). BCM Invited them and representatives from MBMSI, a former GC minIstry, to join BCM.
.2001: In the face of growing mlnlstrtes and responsibilities, leaders began looking for staff to
provide leadership. In July 200:1, Loyal Funk was hired as an Interim executive c0nference minister. In september, Vyacheslav Tsvlrlnko was hired as part·tlme assistant director for Int. grated Ministries, a ministry to Immigrant people groups, and Ted Goertzen began working Dec. 1 as part·tlme director of church and c0nstituency relations.
.2001: In a June meet· Ing, leaders faced a $65,000 shortfall at the close of the 2000-2001 budget year. Repeating deftclts due to growing m1n1strles-though smaller than last year's $65,0G0--and constituency feedback on current fundralslng practices caused leaders to take another look at how they raised funds and support from churches and individuals for conference ministries. At that meeting, BCM directed BCM exec» tIve to create a new model
that moved to a more "u" fled" approach In budget and funding strategies. In a 5ept. 22 meeting, SCM decided to move the supervision of IncIvidual fundraIsers from boards to BCM starting next budget year, citing the need to be more costeIfectIve and the desire to end the perception among constituency of "c0mpetitive fundraIsIng" between ministries.
• 2002: Duling M8IdI meetings, leaders further defined "unified" fuI1d.-tng. "Donors are MCOUI'8Ced to give to the U.s. Conference as a whole," says confer. ence chair DavId Reimer. "Donors may stili designate gifts In acts of support for specific ministries. This approach wiD make the apecIIIc .-.uy budget less winerabIe to future shortfalls while at the same time easIng the burden for the get as a whoIe."-eA
in three of the five U.S. districts in a partnership between Mission USA, the conference's church growth and renewal ministry, and the districts.
• broadening the conference's leadership board, Board of Church Ministries, to attempt to accommodate growing ministries.
"There is a lot going on," conference chair David Reimer told ministry leaders at the March meeting.
Over the last six years, leaders have adapted their organizational structure and have been challenged to move beyond traditional methods of funding to support the growth. Various funding models have been tried, and while these models have helped the conference ministries double, each had Oaws.
In addition, leaders have been challenged by changes in the way people are giving in general. Special project giving is more attractive than giving to
a larger organization, leaders agree.
(See brief U.S. Conference timeline" on page 22 for more information on the challenges offinding a funding model.)
Finding a solution
By the conclusion of last month's meetings, most conference leaders agreed it was time to slow down for a year in order to allow structural and funding models to catch up with ministry and conference growth.
Leaders agreed unanimously to reduced spending over the next year and to support a proposal by BCM's executive members, which included:
• giving adequate time to Conference staff efforts towards unified fundraising and working with local churches to increase giving and
• convening a think session of BCM executive members with outside
resources to explore models for funding and structure.
In addition, leaders voted to form a smaller group to oversee a self-study to examine issues such as the conference's relationship with constituency and local churches.
Dealing with a deficit
The current year's deficit had a lot to do with these decisions. While the conference had experienced smaller deficits at the end of seven of the last 10 budget years, this year's deficit promises to be much bigger.
"This year it has grown too big," Reimer told leaders.
Treasurer Dale Regier projects the deficit will be $190,000 by May 31, the end of the fiscal year. The deficit is a combination of the $65,000 deficit at the end of the 2()()().2001 fiscal year and a projected $125,000 that will be
PROPOSED 2002-2003 BUDGET FOR U.S. CONFERENCE MINISTRIES
ADDITIONAL MINISTRIES SUPPORTED BY CONFERENCE: A projected $2,203,370 is expected to be designated by churches and donors for additional ministries or outside agencies. These funds are in addition to the "core" funds.
• U·5ERV
• CHURCH PLANTINGI DONOR ADVISED
• NATIONAL YOUTH MINISTRIES
MB Biblical seminary, MBMS International, Youth Mission International, Mennonite Central Committee, Mennonite Disaster Service 2002-2003 BUDGET: $197,000 2001-2002:
''We failed in 'core' fundraising," conference treasurec Dale Regiec explained to conference boaed members dUcing an all-boards session. "Core" funds are those the conference provides to each ministry and comes lacgely from church contributions and some genecal fundraising, gifts and endowments. In the past, most boards have then caised funds past the "core" through special fundcaising be special income such as endowments and district giving.
"We had an unrealistic core," added Board of Trustee's chaic Ken Neufeld, explaining that the confecence ovec-projected funds churches would contribute. Regiec reported that while church giving was up 12 peccent so far this year, income was still $100,000 short of pcojections. In addition, while 12 churches gave to the conference foe the first time last year, only 85 out of the 188 MB chucches in the U.S. have given any funds to support U.S. Conference ministries this year. The rest are not finan-
cially supporting the ministries.
This is a long-teem trend in the conference, according to Regiec. Executive conference ministec Loyal Funk and directoc of chucch and constituency relations Ted Goertzen reported to ministry leaders that they are addressing the issue as they wock with local churches.
The majority of the remaining $25,000 of this year's deficit could be incurred by MUSA.
MUSA faced significant challenges in the past 10 months, including the decision by ministry and conference leaders to move towards a unified fundraising approach and the subsequent resignation of executive directoc Ed Boschman and two board members. In the Novembee issue of the Leader, MUSA chaic Steve Reimec said the decision to move MUSA fundcaisers from MUSA to BCM supervision "eroded the ability of MUSA to accomplish the goals and will of the leaders and constituents who set these priorities." These concerns left those involved in the ministry unsure of how to fund projects and ministry during the
rest of this fiscal year and beyond, Reimec told othec ministry leaders at the March meetings, where he also announced he was not continuing as chaic. (Reimec had continued in the position by boaed request when his teem expired in Septembec 2001. Loretta]ost will act as chaic until the elections at the national convention in]uly.) Reimec, howevec, told ministry leaders that the board hopes to cecovec its poction of the deficit by the end of the fiscal year.
Next year will be tight
Leaders were in solid agreement about ceducing the deficit, and agreed to plans to amortize and payoff the debt ovec the next few years.
In addition, ministries agreed to take a cut in spending ovec the next year in ocdec to start paying back the debt. Most boards will drastically reduce spending and/oc find alternative soucces of cevenue:
• Board of Communications (ministries include the national web site and the Christian Leader.) The ministry
Leaders report growth, new church plant
Reports on new projects, governance chanCes and upcoming events provided the Board of Church MI IstrIes with glimpses of the ways In which u.s. C0nference ministries are growing and being strengthened. Given during the March 16 annual aI!-boards meet· Ings, these reports kept alive the vision of a new and Improved U.S. Conference In spite of current administrative challenges and budget limitations.
Topping the list of new projects was the announcement by Mission USA of a new church plant project In the Salt Lake City area. The project Is a three-way part· nershlp between the national church planting and renewal ministry, the Paclftc District Conference and South Mou taIn Community Church of Draper, Utah. For about 12 months beginning In August,
church planter Corey Anderson will work with the South Mountain staff In anticipation of launching a new church In a community about 12 miles from SMCC. SMCC, pastored by Paul Roble, was planted less than four years ago using a similar partnership.
BCM heard from two new conference staff members who share the common task of Interacting with local congregations on behalf of the conference: Ted Goertzen who Is the director of church relations, and Vyacheslav Tsvlrlnko who Is the associate director for Slavic ministries.
Goertzen announced that May 5 Is U.S. Conference SUnday, outlined his plans to Initiate a drive among MB business owners and Individuals to help underwrite the cost of U.s. Conference m'" IstrIes and deIcrIbed his ongoing efforts to Inspire
local congregations to Increase their financial support of the conference.
Tsvlrlnko said he Is "the face of the conference" to MB Slavic congregations while also representing the "Russian version" of the constituency to the conference. His goal Is to facilitate a "real mature brotherhood relationship" between the two.
When asked about his hopes for the future, Tsvlrlnko said he wants SlavIc congregations to be eva.. gellstIc among their U.S. neighbors while stili supportIng evangelistic projects In the former Soviet Union. He also talked of the Importance of timing when a c0ngregation shifts from Russian to English language services and Bible teaching and emphasized the Importance of language shifts especially for young people. SCM
bers gathered around Tsvlrlnko for a time of prayer and commissioning.
The need for a fulltlme conference executive min ter was affirmed throughout BCM discussions. Loyal Funk Is currently filling this role on an Interim, part-time basis. ''We want to communicate the priority of hiring an executive director for the U.S. Conference," said Board of Faith and ute chair John Warkentin In his report. BCM encouraged the search committee to "double efforts In finding an executive director."
The number of U.s. C0nference ministries Is slated to Increase again this su,.. mer due to the continuing divestiture of binatIonal eral Conference ministries. SCM heard reports from three transition teams Indicating that two more RIb Istrles will be transferred to
traditionally receives the majority of its funding from the conference, with additional funding from advertising and other related activities associated with the Leader. The board agreed to a 40 percent cut in funding from conference funds and will use approximately $53,000 from an endowment fund, established from the sale of the MB Publishing House in 1982, in order to continue publishing the the Leader during the next fiscal year. The board will cooperate with the conference-wide self-study in order to examine the possible need to find an alternative publication(s) to the Leader.
• Mission USA (church planting and renewal ministry). Traditionally, the majority of MUSA's funding came from board and MUSA staff fundraising. While "core" or conference funds actually increased next year for the ministry, its overall budget decreased from approximately $600,000 to $197,000. Core funds will cover current church plants and projects and hiring a part-time staff person. MUSA agreed to make intern-
Joint national conference oversight while a third win be shifted to solely canadian ownership.
SCM endorsed the rec0mmendation that the work of the Historical Commission be continued by a binati0nai commission to be funded with an annual grant from Canada and the U.s.
SCM discussed the MB Biblical seminary transition team recommendation that theological training be provided using a new model: an administrative center goyemed by a binational board responsible for maintaining MB theology, ratifying the appointment of faculty, obtaining accreditation, conferring degrees and overseeIng fiduciary matters and reg10nal campuses govemed and funded by reg10naI boards. There are currently MBBS "delivery points" In Fresno, Calif., Lan&tey, B.C., and Winnipeg, Man., which under this model would be govemed by national or
ship and communication projects part of fundraising efforts, meaning they will not spend a designated $55,000 of the $197,000 until it is received.
• Integrated Ministries (ministry to immigrant people groups and churches). This ministry has traditionally operated out of "core" or conference funds. The ministry agreed to reduced funding from the U.S. Conference to new projects and Ethnic Ministries' projects, which are joint ventures between the conference, l districts and other organizations. Staff expect Ethnic Ministries projects to con· tinue receiving funds from those districts I and other organizations.
• Board of Church Ministries (conference leadership board). The conference leadership board, which is tradi· tionally funded mostly by conference or I "core" funds, will maintain about the I same level of funding with core funds used in large part to cover salaries, travel I and fundraising expenses of staff as well I as expenses for various board ministries.
• Board of Trustees (manages conference's legal and financial affairs). The
regional boards.
SCM endorsed the rec0mmendation of the tnmsItIon team for the Board of Resource Ministries/KIndred Produettons that this minIstry be adopted by the can. dian MB Conference with the U.S. Conference having "pr&f8rred customer" status. The U.s. Conf8rence would make an annual contribution for the next five years to assist with the transition.
Final recommendations regarding the divestiture of these ministries will be pr. sented to the national conference convention delegations this summer for their approval.
SCM also reviewed plans for the biennial U.S. Conf8rence convention to be held July 25-27 In Abbotsford, B.C., describing the c0nvention as an opportunity to "dialogue with the constltuency." Daytime will spotlight U.s. ConIerence ministries. Delegates will take action on various reo-
ministry receives its funding from conference or "core" funds. Next year, the ministry will reduce some of its ministries andadd the debt payment in their budget. BOT also took steps to begin an endowment fund for the conference. The fund would provide funds for general administration and operating budget.
• Board of Faith and Ufe (provides guidance in issues of faith and life).
Formed in 2000, this ministry received funding from the General Conference last year. This year, its funds come from the "core." (See budget graphs on page 23 for more information on mintstry budgets next year.)
While MBMS International, the global mission agency of North American MB churches, sits on the conference leadership board, they are a separate, legally incorporated agency. Funds designated by churches to be given to MBMSI will be unaffected by the conference's deficit. The same is true for the MB Biblical Seminary and the Historical Commission, two of the three General Conference ministries due to be official·
ommendattons, lncIucIIng byI8w revisions deligned to vide for equal representation on conference boards 8II'IonC all U.S. dlstllcts. Evening sessions wiD highlight the history and ministries of the North American binati0nai General Conference.
In other action, SCM aftIrmed the decision to move the Mission USA oIftce to Hillsboro, Kan., endonIed regional prayer conferences to be organized by Loyal Funk and encouraged MB representatives from Mennonite Health 5ervIces to organize a gathering of administrators and board members from senior care facilities with MB connections.
BFL chair Warkentin announced a peace education consultation to be h0sted this fall In cooperation with the U.s. Conf8r8nce Peace EducatIon Commission and reported that five brochures acIdres8Ing contemporery wID soon be published. SCM also
reviewed a PEe proposal to reetart an U.s. voluntary service program.
An endowment has been established for the U.S. Conf8rence, reported trustee chair Ken Neufeld. MB Foundation President Jon Wiebe reported that the. Mennonite Brethren Loan Fund was recently created to separate loan assets and liabilities from other MBF roles and assets.
The U.S. Conference web site Is up and running, rep0ned Board of ComrnunIcatIoIW chair Kathy HeInrichs WIest, and the web site ad hoc c0mmittee Is working to enhance the services available.
MBMS International bo8rd chair Dennis Fast reported on the agency's work and reviewed their financial needs. SCM also he8rd about the ministry of MennonIte World Conference from P8k!sa Tshlmlka and KatrIna Poetker, two MBs Involved In thlslntematlonal nIon. -Connie Faber
ly transferred to the North American national conferences this summer.
Looking forward
While most leaders agreed that this year's reduced spending was needed in the face of the deficit, they also agreed that it was temporary and not a direction in which they would continue.
MUSA chair Steve Reimer expressed concern about MUSA's ability to thrive under the current model of reduced spending and unified fundraising. It "reflects a passionate desire not to overspend," said Reimer, "but doesn't address how to take care of expanding ministry."
"This is not what we envisioned," said MBMSI representative and former BCM chair Dennis Fast, referring in particular to MUSA's reduced budget, "but I will support it."
Most leaders also affirmed the decision to take time over the next year to seek outside help to put together funding and structural models that would help meet the current growth realities being experienced by the conference. BOC will contribute additional monies from their endowment fund in order to support a self-study.
"We are rethinking how we do U.S. Conference," articulated Southern District representative Nick Rempel, near the close of the meetings.
While dealing with serious issues, most leaders felt encouraged, recognizing that these challenges are ones ass0ciated with growth. In a closing statement issued at the end of the March meetings, leaders expressed the desire to be forward looking, noting that the U.S. Conference is "much larger and more diverse than it was five years ago."
"We are encouraged," the statement continues, "by the strengthening of the relationship with our churches" through the efforts of Ted Goertzen, director of church relations, and "the connections made by the associate director of Integrated Ministries," Vyacheslav Tsvirinko.
"We are also encouraged by the new church plant in Draper, the connection with Slavic churches as well as other ministries in the conference We are enthused by the future that will be articulated by a conference-wide self-study [and] look forward to a real celebration in Abbotsford [the location of the U.S. Conference convention July 25-27] and a chance to dialogue with our constituency." •
Many voices will tell stories
Speakers will celebrate the past and the future during sessions at General Conference convention
'Te General Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches will conclude its 123-year history with three evening celebrations July 25, 26 and 27, 2002, in Abbotsford, B.C. Organizers of the event have compiled a varied guest list of speakers including such wellknown figures as radio personality David Balzer, poet Jean Janzen and even the biblical character Jeremiah himself.
During the first of the three celebrations, convention attendees will hear voices from the past-a dramatization of the men who signed the secession document, carving a Mennonite Brethren fellowship out of the larger Mennonite community. The drama will include testimonies of tearful farewells as the first Mennonite Brethren migrated from Russia and stories of the sacrifices and challenges of the early missionaries who followed God's call.
A choir led by retired Columbia Bible College professor Rudy Baerg will help tell the story in music. Among the choral selections will be an original composition by Larry Warkentin, recently retired from the faculty of Fresno Pacific University.
Tabor College Bible professor Lynn Jost of Hillsboro, Kan., will bring the evening's meditation.
A procession of symbols will lead into voices from the present in the second evening's program that will feature live testimonies from people who joined the MB family after the migration to Canada and the United States. People from Hispanic, Chinese, Slavic and other ethnic communities that make up today's North American MB Church will share their stories.
Two well-known ensembles will provide the evening's music. Retired Tabor College music professor Jonah Kliewer
New pastors hosted by IFL, MilS
Pastor's Orientation fits together the pieces of MB ,. ministry
Helping new pastors understand who the Mennonite Brethren are and how the U.S. Conference operates was the goal of the 2002 Pastor's Orientation held March 11-13 at The Leadership Center in Aurora, Neb.
Comments from participants seem to indicate the goal was accomplished.
"This was extremely helpful. Even though I grew up in the MB conference, I enjoyed getting to know these ministries. "
"Now I see how things fit together in the MB world."
"I realized that there is a whole support group for me in my pastoral role. I see that we're all working for the same cause."
Twenty-nine pastors or pastoral staff members and spouses from South Texas to North Dakota who are new to their ministries or to the MB church, were introduced to the U.S. Conference by a dozen or so conference leaders. There were new pastors from three of the five U.S. districts; only North Carolina and the Pacific District were not represented.
Organized by the U.S. Conference Board of Faith and Life and MB Biblical Seminary, this was the first pastor's orientation in many years that did not include participants from the Canadian MB Conference. Following the 1999 decision to dissolve the binational General Confer-
will lead his Sixteen Singing Men of the Fifties as they conclude a concert tour of British Columbia at this celebration. The evening's multicultural flavor will be highlighted by the 50-voice choir of young adults from the Bellingham (Wash.) Slavic Church, singing under the direction of Antonina Datskiy.
Ron Redekop, pastor of Northside Church in Mission, B.C., will give the message.
The prophet Jeremiah's voice from the past will call the audience to look into the future in a dramatic interchange in the final evening celebration. The pro-
ence, the Canadian and U.S. conferences decided to hold separate orientations for their new pastors this year.
Participants found time for worship, discussion, prayer, conversation and recreation. The Leadership Center proved to be an ideal setting for the gathering, with its comfortable motelstyle rooms, good food, an indoor swimming pool with jacuzzi and a basketball court and game room.
"Putting the Pieces Together Mennonite Brethren Style" was the theme for the orientation. Jim Holm of MBBS in Fresno, Calif., led off the first session with a challenge to pastors to "put the big rocks in first." Using a day in the life of Jesus from Luke 6 as a text, Holm encouraged his listeners to follow the style of Jesus' ministry, which included solitude, community and ministry, and in that order. Pointing out that most pastors are by nature committed to ministry, and by neceSSity to community, Holm emphasized that solitude is a key to knowing God, and he reminded pastors not to get so involved in the work of the Lord that they neglect the Lord of the work.
Valerie Rempel, a BFL and MBBS faculty member, told the story of the MB church in history. Weaving her own story of being raised in a pastor's family into the larger tapestry, Rempel's pre· sentation, which addressed questions such as, "Who is God?" and "How is God at work in the world?" was well
gram will range widely, from a prelude of hot Christian jazz by the Canadian combo Jazz Garden to a closing communion service led by the conference's executive secretary Marvin Hein.
Testimonies from several young adults will focus on continuing to fol· low God's call to global mission.
The celebration evenings will be held at Central Heights MB Church from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The General Conference events are part of Celebration 2002, a three-<iay event during which delegates from the Canadian and U.S. MB conferences will also meet sep-
received by the group.
Led by Lynn Jost, a BFL member who is on the Tabor College faculty, those present also looked at the MB Confession of Faith. Participants learned of the major MB emphases: family, evangelical Anabaptist piety, mission, renewal and a strong commitment to biblical foundations. Jost spoke of a community henneneutic, in which the Scripture is interpreted within the context of the body of believers.
Several participants asked questions in the discussion that followed Jost's presentation.
Most comments concerned the degree to which pastors were required to adhere to all parts of the Confession.
BFL chair John Warkentin, pastor of First MB in Wichita, Kan., led a discussion of issues facing the MB church in its present ministry. Four areas were identified as key matters facing the U.S. church: traditionalism, individualism, pragmatism and functionalism. Warkentin led a discussion of each issue, focusing especially on the responses that pastors and churches can make to those matters.
The two district ministers present, Roland Reimer of the Southern District and Roger Engbrecht of the Central District, walked the pastors through a discussion of some of the joys and hazards of pastoral ministry. In addition, several U.S. Conference ministries were introduced: Mission USA, Integrated Ministries, Christian Leader, MBMS Inter· national and MBBS.
Next year's orientation will likely be held on the West Coast, probably in Fresno, Calif. Dates and locations will be announced by BFL. -MBBS news release by jim Holm
arately in national conference business sessions. The Canadians will gather at Northview Church and the U.S. at Bak· erview MB Church.
For details on the evening celebrations contact Marvin Hein at 559-4521713 or bye-mail at mheinl@fresno. edu. No registration is required for the evening programs. Registration is required for the national conference conventions. U.S. Conference registration fonns are available from local MB church offices or by calling 620-947· 3151. -General Conference news release by Kathy Heinrichs Weist
MB wins Olympic medal
Canadian skater a force to be reckoned with, brings ,.. home a bronze medal in speedskating event
In her Olympic debut, Canadian speed skater Cindy Klassen of Winnipeg, Man., had the distinction of winning the first medal for her country at the 2002 Winter Olympics-a bronze in the 3000 meters. Klassen, a member of McIvor MB Church, also has the honor of the first Mennonite Brethren to medal at the Olympic games.
Klassen, who began skating competitively less than four years ago, was one of only three other female long-track speed skaters in the world that competed in four events at the 2002 Olympics. In fact, Klassen qualified for five events but declined to participate in the 500 meters in order to focus on her most promising events-the 1500 and 3000 meters.
The Canadian took home the bronze medal in the 3000, a race in which Klassen bested her own Canadian record and surpassed the existing world record with a personal-best time
of 3:58.97. She finished behind a German skater who set a new world record and a Dutch skater who finished just .03 seconds ahead of Klassen. Klassen was fourth in both the 1000 and the 1500, and finished 13th in the 5000. She missed a second bronze medal in the 1500 by just 27/100ths of a second.
The 22-year-old Klassen picked up speed skating four years ago after being cut from the Canadian women's hockey team for the 1998 Games in Nagano. Since then she has quicldy become a force to be reckoned with on the World Cup circuit. She holds the Canadian records for both the 1500 and 3000. The shy and hardworking Klassen is known as a remarkably versatile athlete who has not yet realized her potential. Klassen, called "the Winnipeg wonder kid" by the Winnipeg Free Press, spoke with Jon Unger Brandt for the ME Herald, the publication of the Canadian MB Conference. Excerpts of
that Feb. 28 interview are printed here.
What was the Olympic experience like?
CK: Overall it was a great experience. I've been at the World Championships, which can be pretty amazing, but the Olympics takes this to a new level. I was excited to be there and represent Canada.
What were some of your goals coming in?
CK: On the World Cup circuit I have had a fair number of top five finishes so I thought it would be neat to get a medal but wasn't expecting anything. I am really happy with what I accomplished and where I am right now. No regrets-overall a great experience.
How does your faith impact what you do?
CK: I was talking to a guy from Holland on the World Cup circuit-on the road we have Bible studies with Athletes in Action and other groups-and he made me realize that medals at the Olympics are nothing compared to heaven. It was something I knew but he helped focus that for me. Speed skating isn't everything; you need to keep perspective.
Other skaters like [Canadian speed skater) catriona Lemay Doan are very vocal about their faith. How do you express yours?
CK: Catriona and I are very different people. I want people to know I am a Christian but I am a shy person. My teammates know I am a Christian, but I don't push it. If something needs to be said I'll say it, and when talking to the media I try to let people know.
Any spiritual highlights?
CK: A couple at church, the Reddigs [Ken and Willa], made up cards with my picture on it and distributed it to everyone at McIvor. It was amazing to realize that I had that much support and prayer. Also, I was really nervous going into the 3000 and was getting worked up. Just before the race I received an e-mail from students from [Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute] telling me they were praying for me and cheering for me. That really helped me calm down and focus. All that support was quite amazing. (Klassen is a 1997 graduate of MBCI.)
There was a lot of talk about security at these Olympics. How did you experience It?
CK: Security was very tight every· where. There were satellites on the shuttles that went from the Olympic Vl1. lage to the events so that if there was a deviation from the route it would be stopped immediately. And going into the Village they would check under the vehicle and under the hood every time. They did a good job and every one felt quite safe. We actually didn't stay in the Village that much though.
Where did you stay?
CK: Because the oval wasn't very close to the Village, Speedskating Cana· da rented some condos right across the venue. I spent most of my time there and hung out with the other skaters.
Any highlights with other athletes?
CK: Definitely. During lunch one day in the Village all the NHL [National Hockey League] guys were there and I got to see Mario Lemieux and even talk
to Steve Yzerman. That was pretty neat.
Did you get a chance to watch any of the other events?
CK: Because I was competing in four events I was pretty busy and didn't get a chance to see much. I watched the men's [hockey] game on lV, but I did get to see the women play. That was special.
What about your future plans?
CK: I will go to Germany next week for a World Cup event and then to Hoi· land for the World Championships. The funs in Holland are crazy-you can't prepare for it. The Olympics are a big race, more intense pressure, but the environment in Holland will be crazy.
After that? Will you try the Summer Olympics and do both like speed skater Clara Hughes? (Speed skater Hughes is a former double-bronze medallist in cycling at the 1996 Atlanta Summer Games .j
CK: I use the bike to train but I am
July 25-27, 2002 7:00-8:30 p.m.
Experience three evenings that tell our story and inspire hope for the future; held in conjunction with the Canadian and u.s. Conventions held in day-time sessions.
Central Heights Church, Abbotsford, British Columbia Registration not required. Childcare for children to age 5. For more information contact: Marvin Hein at 5..59-4.52-1713 or mhein1@fresno.edu
U.S. MB Conference website: www.usmb.org
Canadian Conference website: www.mbconf.ca
General Conference website: www.rnbconf.org
really bad at it. It's fun but as soon as we climb a hill I am way at the back. I would like to hit Torino (2006 Winter Olympics, Torino, Italy). I would love to, but we'll see. That is definitely a goal.•
Editor's Note: Klassen, who was an all-star basketball and volleyball player in high school, has attended three Canada Games competing in three separate sports: hockey, speed skating and most recently, cycling last year in London, Ont. Competing against the best in her age group, outside the national team, Klassen finished ninth in the 7()" kilometer road race in London as a novice who had trained seriously for only a few months prior to the competition, according to reports in the Winnipeg Free Press.
In 1994, as a 14-year-old, Klassen attended the Commonwealth Games as a memberofCanada'sjield lacrosse team. In 1999, she participated as an in-line skater in Winnipeg's Pan Am Games.
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MB MUSICAL HERITACE PRESERVED
Words of the Gospel CDs available from Seminary
l1e musical heritage of Words of the Gospel, the radio voice of u.s. MBs for many years, has been preserved and a portion of this collection is being made avaiIable in two compact discs, the sale proceeds of which will benefit MB Biblical Seminary.
Words of the Gospel alumni Lowell Bergmen, Jim Gaede and AI Lepp initiated and carried out the project in partnership with MBBS. The entire WOG music library, stored on a total of 96 deteriorating master audio tapes and including 335 songs recorded by the Men of Melody octet and Words of the Gospel Choir, was transferred to 14 CDs which have been donated to the Center for MB Studies in Hillsboro, Kan. Funds for this project were solicited from former WOG supporters and participants.
The three-member ad-hoc committee then selected 26 songs to be included
on "The Best of Words of the Gospel Choir" CD and 27 songs for "The Best of Words of the Gospel Men of Melody" CD. The committee suggests a $15 donation per CD or $25 for two, plus $3 for shipping, with 100 percent of the donations going to MBBS. CDs are available by writing to MB Biblical Seminary, 4824 E. Buder Ave., Fresno, Calif. 93727.
Words of the Gospel began in 1965 as a weekly half-hour radio program featuring music and the spoken Word. AI Kroeker was the host and speaker for much of the broadcast's 19-year history. WOG was first under the auspices of the Pacific District Con-
CHURCHES ENCOURACED TO PARTICIPATE
"u.s. Conference Sunday" to highlight national ministries
S unday, May 5, has been designated "U.S. Conference Sunday," announced Ted Goertzen, U.S. Conference director of church and constituents relations, at the all-boards meeting March 15.
Mennonite Brethren churches throughout the U.S. are encouraged to
participate by highlighting the work and ministries of the u.S. Conference that Sunday. Informational material, including a Video, will be made available to the churches to assistin telling the U.S. Conference story. Churches will be challenged to meet their conference giVing goals for
these shared ministries prior to May 31, which is the end of the fIScal year. A notice will also be mailed to all constituents, preparing them for this special Sunday and telling them how they can share in the ministries of the U. S. Conference, says Goertzen. -USC
ference and in 1968 transferred to the u.S. Conference. At its peak WOG was heard on over 50 stations in 25 states and provinces of Canada, as well as an international station.
The radio choir, which drew from 10 different MB churches in the San Joaquin valley, voluntarily gave of their time and talent to record twice a month, and perform at rallies and fundraising events. Concert tours took them to Southern, Central and Pacific District Conference churches as well as British Columbia. The Men of Melody were the featured musical group at the National Religious Broadcasters Convention held in Washington, D.C. and performed at the National Association of Evangelicals National Prayer Breakfast.
The ministry came to an end in 1983 when the U.S. Conference decided to phase out the radio broadcast and sell the recording studio.
KEEPING REFUGEES WARM: Mennonite Central Committee, a Christian world relief and development agency, shlppecl40,OOO blankets and handmade comforters to Iran In early October to be distributed by the Iranian Red Crescent Society to Afghan refugees like Sakhelh (left) and her four children, above. Sakhelh's husband died In the fighting last fall. -MBMSI
MORE NEWS
Aid in Congo
-Mennonlt. Central Committee Is planning to send $185,000 In Istanc. to victims of the Jan. 17 Nylragongo volcano In the .ast.m region of the D.mocratlc Republic of Congo. N.arly $40,000 will be used almost Immedlat. Iy for the local purchas. of food, medicine, b1ank.ts and oth.r hous.hold Items. A .I lflcant amount will be glv.n to help children and t.ach.rs return to school. MCC Is also planning to ship a container filled with rell.f kits, clothing, SCNIP and school kits. Th. aid will go to 10,000 peopl. living In two different churc ponsored refugee camps n.ar Bukaw, a city south of Goma. Congole•• M.nnonlt. church.s are part of the group of churches maintaining the refiCee camps. MCC Is working with the local Mennonlt. churches es w.1I as other partner groups. The volcano killed several hundred peopl. and I.ft hundreds of thousands hom.I An Intense lava flow destroyed nearly a third of Goma, Including the runway to the airport. -MCC
MBMSI staff change
--5ajl Oomrnen, who Joined MBMS InterIUItIonaI as social ministries director In the .ummer of 2001, was rec.ntly appointed to an .xpanded roI. as director for social ministries, Africa programs and Asia programs. Oomm.n will work with MB missionaries and church partners to d.v.lop and maintain mission programs on the two contln.nts. Jason Egli began serving as MBMSI support services edmlnlstrator In January. From the ofIIc. In Fresno, Calif., Egli will ov.rsee benefits administration for staff and missionaries, supervise support staff, manage offlc. needs In the flv. North American ofIIces and provld. I.ad.rshlp of Information and comput.r syst.ms. MBMS Int.matlonalls the mission ag.ncy of MB churches In Canada and the United States. - MBMSI
CHURCHES MEET FOR INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS SEMINAR
Hispanics talk missions
The 32 Hispanic The event, attended confer-
.......... churches in the by 45 people including ence Pacific District Con- mission agency staff and in
ference were invited to people from eight con- Mexiattend the Primer Con- gregations, focused on co, greso de Mtstones (First how Hispanic MBs and David Missions Seminar) host- MBMSI could work Loyola, pased Feb. 2 by MBMS together in ministry that tor of the La GrolInternational and hosted is already in place in la (Texas) MB Church, by Compafterismo Cris- Mexico. The discussion Harold Ens, MBMSI gentiano in Shafter, Calif. It highlighted some of the eral director, Rolando was the first time His- issues in working togeth- Mireles Jr., a student at panic congregations and er as church and mission MB Biblical Seminary, MBMSI met for a day- agency. Speakers includ- andJose Elizondo, assolong seminar dedicated ed Ismael Ramirez, presi- clate district minister of to international mission. dent of the MB church the PDC. -MBMSI
president honored by business educators
The contributions made by Harold Haak, Fresno Pacific University president, to the Fresno community were recognized by Fresno Compact when it created the Harold Haak Business Partnership Educator of the Year Award. The prize, announced March 6, will be given each year to an educator with an outstanding track record of building partnerships between business and education.
Fresno Compact is a coalition of business, community and education leaders committed to long-term improvements in the achievement and skills of young people. The compact's mission is to prepare graduates for the increasing demands of society and the workplace through promoting business participation with schools. Fresno Pacific University is an accredited Christian university owned and operated by <the Pacific District Conference. -FPU
Tabor and Hesston sign articulation agreement
Tabor College, a four-year Christian liberal arts institution owned by the Mennonite Brethren, and Hesston (Kan.) College, a two-year college of Mennonite Church USA, signed two articulation agreements Feb.8, effective with the Hesston College graduating class of 2001.
The general education agreement enables Hesston College associate of arts graduates to be accepted to Tabor with a junior standing, having met all of Tabor's lower-level general education requirements. Upper-level requirements must be met on the same basis as other Tabor students. Hesston College associate of applied arts and sciences graduates, however, are not included in the agreement. Tabor will assess their records on an individual basis. -TC
CHURCH
Baptismlmembership
Shafter, calif. -Jonathan Agee. Laura Arnold. Hillary Bergen. Aaron Frantz. Emma Frantz. Joshua Scales. Julie Scales, Dana Starrh and Lee Waldron were welcomed as new members by baptism October 21,2001.
Huron, S.D. (Bethesda)-The congregation has recently grown by 13 new members.
Omaha, Neb. (Faith Blble)-Five new members were welcomed Jan. 6. The service included a communion service and was followed by a breakfast during which Pastor John Schnell preached the morning message.
Enid, Okla.-Keri Hake was baptized Jan. 6. Stacy Kuhns and Paul and Stacie Landess were welcomed into membership.
New Hope, MiM.-Michael Clay was received into membership Feb. 10 by testimony.
Littleton, Colo., (Belleview)Tina Quintanilla and Angel Strickland were baptized and received into membership Feb. 24. Dan Barrett. David cartwright. Todd Cotton, Sharon Connelly. Jaimie Cartwright and Jolie Riehm were received into membership March 17.
Henderson, Neb.-Ryan and Erica Wilson were accepted into membership March 3.
Buhler, Kan.-Tom and Paula Eigsti and Ken and Teresa Siemens were welcomed as new members March 10. Katherine Ott. Beth Schmidt. Breanna Tatro and Estey Wichert were baptized.
celebrations
Hillsboro, Kan.-The family of Viola Klassen Jost is hosting a 100th birthday party for HMumsyH May 18 at3 p.m.
Fellowship
Cedar Springs, Wash.-Women from Community Bible Fellowship of Bellingham. Good News Fellowship of Ferndale and Birch Bay Bible of Blaine met April 5-6 for a
joint women's retreat.
Ministry
Broken Arrow, Okla. (Community Church of the Heart)-The new church plant has initiated a period of intense aggressive outreach scheduling. A 6,000·piece mailing invited those in the target area to the Easter worship service.
Sioux Falls, S.D. (Lincoln Hills)The congregation is sharing its facilities with an emerging Ethiopian church of about 80 for a three-month trial period beginning in March.
Papillion, Neb. (Rolling Hllls)Beginning March 24. the congregation is being encouraged to Hput a little spring in your worship. H The goal of the Hspring H campaign is to encourage current casual attendees to deepen their commitment to church worship attendance and to attract newcomers. Pastor Rod Anderson sees church growth increase as directly related to the congregation's quality of worship. RHC worship services involve a worship band, a blend of popular worship songs with traditional hymns and Bible messages using Power Point presentations.
Fresno, calif. (North)-The congregation will be hosting English students of MBMSI missionary Doris Goertz during a home-stay visit being planned for July 23·30. The congregation has partnered with Goertz and the Neyagawa MB Church in Japan in this outreach ministry.
Buhler, Kan.-In March. the congregation sent a 10-member USERV team to Lenoir. N.C.• to help remodel a facility that will be used as a youth center and church plant location by the North Caroli· na MB Conference. The facility is in downtown Lenoir and will need to be reconfigured to fit their needs. Volunteers in carpentry. electrical work and basic plumbing will be needed. USERV is a ministry of the U.S. Conference that partners a local congregation that has a facility need with a team of skilled volunteers.
NEWS FROM OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ACROSS THE UNITED STATES
Proclamation
Madera, Callf.-MB Foundation representative Lynford Becker preached the message March 10 and Ross Merritt. also of MBF. taught the adult Sunday school class.
TeachingtNurture
santa Clara, calif. (EI Camino Bible)-Jon Wiebe of MB Foundation preached the morning meso sage March 17 and taught the adult Sunday school class. Lynford Becker and Ross Merritt of MBF led the evening service March 10 on stewardship and estate plan· ning.
Clovis, calif. (College Community)-During the season of Lent, four adult Christian education Sunday morning classes were offered: a study of the book Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster. a contemplative Bible study that included times of individual contemplation and group sharing. a review of literature. poetry and devotional writers and other artistic expressions of Lent and a class that reflected on the morning worship service.
Delft, Minn. (carson)-Pastoral couple John and Anita Klassen are hosting a biweekly Bible study in their home with unchurched individuals from their neighborhood.
Workers
Bakersfield, calif. (Laurelglen)Ed Boschman has accepted the call to serve as executive pastor. He and his wife Carol began their ministry in February. Boschman most recently served as the executive director for Mission USA. the church renewal and growth min· istry of the U.S. Conference.
Visalia, Calif. (Neighborhood)Julie Crawford has joined the pastoral staff as pastor to children. She and her husband Daren and their family moved from Canada. During March. she hosted several Family Fun Nights to learn to know the families of the church and to celebrate the children in each age group.
Harvey, N.D.-David and Linda Prince have accepted the call to serve as pastoral couple. They have begun their ministry.
Lustre, Mont.-Frank Lenihan has accepted the call to serve as pastor. He and his family have moved from Pendleton. Ore.
Huron, S.D. (Bethel)-pastor Tom Cartney was ordained Feb. 24 in a special service. He and his wife Amy have served in the Central District Conference in a variety of ways. They were on the pastoral staff of Bible Fellowship Church in Rapid City, S.D. and were involved in a church planting project in Minneapolis. Minn.
Wichita, Kan. (United at the Cross)-Mike Furches has accepted the call to serve as pastor and began his ministry March 1. He and his wife Mary Jane have been active members of Westport MB Church in Collinsville. Okla. They have two children.
Topeka, Kan.-Steve Prieb has accepted the call to serve as senior pastor. He and his wife Ruth and their three children will move to Topeka in late May. Prieb is currently senior pastor at Garden Valley Church in Garden City, Kan.
Worship
Clovis, calif. (College Community)-Beginning Ash Wednesday. Feb. 13. the congregation hosted a weekly Lenton service of silence. prayer and singing. A similar ser· vice was also offered at the Fresno Pacific University Warkentin Prayer Chapel.
Hillsboro; Kan.-Ebenfeld. Hills· boro and Parkview. the three MB churches in Hillsboro, met for a joint Concert of Peace evening ser· vice March 3.
Youth
Visalia, calif. (Neighborhood)Eighteen youth and two sponsors teamed up with three other Visalia churches to send a team to Ger· many for 10 days in March. The students worked with a Youth for Christ type of organization to min· ister to youth through sports,
school contacts and community events.
Deaths
•
FUNK. HILDA ROSE THIESEN LINDA, Kingsburg, Calif., a charter member of Kingsburg MB Church, was born March 8, 1916, at Reedley, Calif., to Peter F. and Katie Suderman Thiesen and died Dec. 28, 2001, at the age of 85. On May 29, 1941, she was married to Luther Linda, who predeceased her in 1989. On Feb. 14, 1993, she was married to Peter Funk, who survives. She is also survived by three daughters, Marjorie and husband John James of Seattle, Wash., Janet and husband John Kelley of Kingsburg and Judy and husbandDon Horn of North Fork, Calif., six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
GLANZER, ERNEST E., Iroquois, S.D., a member of Bethel Church of Yale, S.D., was born June 16, 1912, near Yale to Jacob J. and Anna Miller Glanzer and died Oct. 7, 2001, at the age of 89. On March 11, 1939, he was married to Alma Glanzer, who survives. He is also survived by two sons, Phil and wife Judy of Minneapolis, Minn., and Keith and wife Tanya of Carpenter, S.D.; one daughter, Brenda Glanzer of Greeley, Colo.; one brother, Joe and wife Justina Glanzer of Reedley, Calif.; three sisters, Virginia Wipf of Huron, Ruth and husband Paul P. Hofer of Doland, S.D., and Gloria and husband Milton Thiessen of Reedley; two sisters-in law, Lillian Glanzer of Marion, S.D., and Olive Glanzer of Huron, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
YUZlCAPI. JOSEPHINE OPAL HASBY GARNES$, Minot, N.D., a member of Bible Fellowship MB Church of Minot, was born Oct. 26,1929, at Nekoma, N.D., to Oscar and Josephine Lund Hasby. On June 6, 1948, she was married to Leonard Garness, who predeceased her in 1973. On April 8, 1978, she was married to Ernie Yuzicapi.
HELMS. LUELLA, Dallas, Ore., a member of Dallas MB Church, was born March 22, 1913, near Munich N.D., to Jacob and Elizabeth Wiens Hooge and died Feb. 3, 2002, at the age of 88. On June 18, 1961, she was married to Dean Helms, who predeceased her in 1990. She is survived by two sisters, Marie and husband Emanuel Hodel of Yucaipa, Calif., and Catherine and husband Edwin Wiens of Langdon, N.D.; one brother, Richard and wife Eleanora Hooge of Langdon, N.D.; and two sisters-in-law, Ann Hooge Reimer of Dallas, Ore., and Orpha Hooge of Kearney, Neb.
JOST. LUELLA REIMER. Hillsboro, Kan., a member of Parkview MB Church of Hillsboro, was born Nov. 8, 1913, at Hillsboro to John J. and Maria Ratzlaff Reimer and died Feb. 27, 2002 at the age of 88. On Nov. 9, 1930, she was married to John F. Jost, who predeceased her in 1999. She is survived by two sons, Jerry and wife Joan and Lowell and wife Eleanor; one daughter, Twilla and husband Charles Siebert; two sisters-in-law, Louise Friesen and Kathryn Klassen and 20 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
LANG HOFER, PAULINE A. SElBE'" Dorrance Kan., a member of the former Dorrance MB Church, was born Aug. 11, 1913, to Charles and Rebecca Seibel at Fairview, Okla., and died Feb. 19,2002, at the age of 88. On April 30, 1933, she was married to Fred E. Langhofer, who pre-
deceased her in 1989. She is survived by twin sons, Gene and Dean of Dorrance; one daughter, Berdine Bishop of Fresno, Calif.; two sisters, Juanita Hiebert of Bakersfield, Calif., and Matilda Berndt of Portland, Ore.; one brother, Melvin Seibel of Portland, five grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
THIESSEN, JOSEPHINE MARTENS. Fresno, Calif., a member of Westpark MB Church of Fresno, was born Dec. 8, 1919, to Henry and Elizabeth Penner Martens at Orienta, Okla., and died March 10,2002, at the age of 82. On Nov. 12, 1944, she was married to Frank Thiessen. She is survived by two sons, Larry and wife Miriam of Antioch, Calif., and Wes and wife Jill of Fresno;
three daughters, Sharon and husband Jim Tuck of Fresno, Karen and husband Lee Wheeler of Fresno, Belva and husband Randy Mays of Warrenton, Va.; three brothers, Jake Martens of Norwalk, Calif., Dan Martens of Enid, Okla., and Henry Martens of Wichita, Kan.; one sister, Henrietta Calvert of Tyler, Texas, seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
WAll., LYDIA HARMS, Reedley, Calif., was born May 14, 1914, at Reedley to Peter T. and Mathilda Lepp Harms and died Feb. 21, 2002, at the age of 87. On Feb. 20, 1936, she was married to George Wall, who survives. She is also survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.•
2002
Itinerary and Invitation
CPE, under the sponsorship of MBMS International, invites born-again Christians to serve as volunteers for its evangelism outreach to:
NOTE: Dates may be subject to some changes, pending further confirmation of some campaigns.
• Team up with national Christians and witness for Christ door-to-door.
• Some knowledge of the language of the country is helpful.
• Between 800 and 2800 persons have prayed to accept Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord during a two-week CPE campaign. Come and be part of an enriching spiritual experience-discover what God can do through you.
For further Infonnatlon, contact:
Church Partnership Evangelism office: telephone/fax: 604-864-3941
Peter Loewen (residence) fax: 604-853-6482
Church Partnership Evangelism is a "church-to-church" effort that involves all bornagain Christians in personal evangelism worldwide. Your application to participate will be forwarded to the CPE Executive Committee for processing.
International General Director
Clearinghouse
Have a position to fill? Looking for a new employment or ministry opportunity? Have a gathering or celebration to promote? Reach U.S. Mennonite Brethren through a Clearinghouse classified ad. The charge is 53 cents per word. with a $15 minimum. Withhold payment until an invoice is received. MB institutions advertising vacancies or position announcements may be eligible for a no-cost ad.
EMPLOYMENT--CHURCH
Senior Pastor
Growing, active, M.B. Church in the Pacific Northwest seeking a Senior Pastor who is interested in helping us to reach our highest potential in ministering to our growing community. Prospective candidates must be in close relationship with Jesus Christ, be comfortable in building relationships with people in the church and surrounding community, and be able to present messages that are based on Scripture that are both interesting and relevant to our Christian lives. Send resume to: Birch Bay Bible Community Church, 7039 Jackson Rd., Blaine, WA 9B230, attention Search Committee, or E-mail to Rod Pankratz (Search Committee chair) at rjpan@juno.com. Visit our church web site at www.BirchBayBibleCommunityChurch.org.
Youth Pastor
Bethany Church, a caring and friendly church of 380+, is seeking a full-time youth pastor to provide vision and direction to our youth. We are located in a rapidly growing residential area of Fresno, California. Candidate must have strong organizational, relational and communication skills and have an undergraduate degree or previous youth ministry experience. If interested, call David Schwartz, (559) 441-1310.
EMPLOYMENT-£DUCATION
Associate Dean: Professional Development
The School of Professional Studies of Fresno Pacific University seeks full-time faculty for the following position: Associate Dean: Center for Professional Development. General FPU required qualifications include: Christian commitment and lifestyle consistent with the college goals, doctorate or nearly-completed doctorate in an appropriate field, and demonstrated collegelevel teaching ability and ability to work harmoniously with students and faculty in a liberal arts environment. Application review begins February 15, 2002, and the appointment made as soon thereafter as a suitable candidate is secured. Send a letter of application to the Provost's Office, Attn: Dr. John Yoder, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702, phone 559-453-2031; fax 559-453-5502. Fresno Pacific University, in its hiring practices, does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic or social background, sex, age, or physical handicap. Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Full descriptions and required qualifications are available at http://www.fresno.edu, http://HigherEdJobs.com, http://cccu.org, and http://jobs@chronicle.com
Assodate
Dean: Degree Completion
The School of Professional Studies of Fresno Pacific University seeks full-time faculty for the following position: Associate Dean: Center for Degree Completion. General FPU required qualifications include: Christian commitment and lifestyle consistent with the college goals, doc-
tor ate or nearly-completed doctorate in an appropriate field, and demonstrated collegelevel teaching ability and ability to work harmoniously with students and faculty in a liberal arts environment. Application review begins February 15, 2002, and the appointment made as soon thereafter as a suitable candidate is secured. Send a letter of application to the Provost's Office, Attn: Dr. John Yoder, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702, phone 559-453-2031; fax 559-453-5502. Fresno Pacific University, in its hiring practices, does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic or social background, sex, age, or physical handicap. Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Full descriptions and required qualifications are available at http://www.fresno.edu, http://HigherEdJobs.com, http://cccu.org, and http://jobs@chronicle.com
Mathematics
Fresno Pacific College, the undergraduate school of Fresno Pacific University seeks full-time faculty
for the following position: Mathematics. Position begins August 2002. General FPU required qualifications include: Christian commitment and lifestyle consistent with the college goals, doctorate or nearly-completed doctorate in an appropriate field, and demonstrated collegelevel teaching ability and ability to work harmoniously with students and faculty in a liberal arts environment. Application review begins February 15, 2002, and the appointment made as soon thereafter as a suitable candidate is secured. Send a letter of application to the Provost's Office, Attn: Dr. John Yoder, Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut, Fresno, CA 93702, phone 559-453-2031; fax 559-453-5502. Fresno Pacific University, in its hiring practices. does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnic or social background, sex, age, or physical handicap. Women and members of minority groups are especially encouraged to apply. Full descriptions and required qualifications are available at http://www.fresno.edu, http://HigherEdJobs.com, http://cccu.org, and http://jobs@chronicle.com •
Let MMA Capital Ministry equip your church for its ca ital cam ai n
(l t ih ... oequZy the saints for the work ofministry, for building up the body ofChrist. " - Ephesians 4:12
Does your congregation need help raising the necessary funds for a new building, addition, land acquisition, or debt reduction? MMA Capital Ministry helps congregations organize themselves to reach their goals and carry out the ministry to which God has called them. To find out more, contact Chuck Buller, M.Div., at (559) 738-8829 or (559) 7998964.
MMA Capital Ministry
Stewardship Solutions
It starts here
WHEN MY HUSBAND ASKED ME to marry him on bended· knee, he said somewhere in that beautiful moment, "I'll never make a lot of money, so we'll never be rich." He was already contemplating a career in academics, which is not a profession to choose if you want to be wealthy.
Over the past 13 years, we've joked about his proposal, especially as we struggled to make ends meet while he was in graduate school. Those days are done, but we still drive a used car and have yet to buy our first home. By many people's definition, my husband's proposal prediction was right on.
But somewhere along the way, I learned a sobering truth. My definition of "wealthy" was wrong. Compared to the rest of the world, I am wealthy. And so are most Americans, points out Jon Wiebe in "Firstfruits-eorporate style." The tell-tales are all around us. We have the luxuries of life: spices in our spice racks, books in our bookshelves, lVs in our living rooms and cookies in our pantries. The very fact we can find jobs to pay for these and the basic necessities can even classify as us as wealthy.
I learned firsthand about my own wealth when I traveled to several u.s. and Mexican border towns in Texas with Mennonite Central Committee. The poverty I saw was unsettling. In Texas, I met families who lived in tiny one-room shacks made from the planks of wood pallets. They had no running water or electricity, no fireplace or toilet in a place where summers are sweltering and winter temperatures drop below freeZing. In Mexico, I photographed children who lived in small "houses" of dirt floors and paneless windows with one or two other families. The men and women-even the children-were eager for work and took as many jobs as they could, but they were still poor.
Tragically, many of them told me that they were better off than those they left behind in other parts of Mexico and Central America. It was then I realized just how abundantly wealthy I am.
Learning I was wealthy led to another discovery: I am lazy with my wealth. It is too easy for me to forget that, just like everything else in my life, the money I have isn't mine.
As followers of Jesus, our lives have been turned upsidedown. No longer do we see life through our own eyes, values and desires. Jesus is the lens through which we view life. In the case of money, that means that it is not ours to spend. It is God's.
The implications of that are enormous and far-reaching.
On a personal level, it is as if Jesus is standing here holding the money instead of me. Unfortunately, I must admit there are ·definitely some differences between how he views money and how I spend mine.
So, how do I get from my own perspective to God's? Tom Sine's advice in "Putting first things first" is a good start. If we recognize and articulate the purpose of our lives-even if it as simple as "I am a disciple of Jesus"-then other things are easier to put in place. We have a guideline with which to reprioritize our time, resources and money.
But this is not only a challenge for us individually. It is a corporate challenge as well.
As members of a local church, we attend Bible studies, serve in local ministries and gather with believers. We have a vote on
how our church is run and how money is spent. But along with the benefits and the vote, we also have responsibility. How much are we giving to support the church? Are we treating money like it is our own or God's? Are we giving "ftrstfruits"? Do we recognize the purpose of our lives apd that of the church? Are we looking through our own eyes or those ofJesus and his Word?
These questions don't only apply to how we spend money in our local churches but also how we choose to spend money beyond it.
New Testament churches looked beyond their local communities of believers. In "The way we 'do' church" (Leader, March 1999), EdmundJanzen points out that "the New Church did not freely affirm the autonomy of the local churcha rather recent view embraced by many today." Instead, Scripture hints at "the importance of a structure that is both collaborative and decisive in direction setting for all churches." The Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 is one example, where a council of mature leaders representing a broad range of churches hammered out a binding resolution of a major problem that threatened the unity of the entire church. That vision seems to creep into how the early church dealt with money as well. In Acts 11, one of the believers in Antioch prophesied a famine, so the church took up a collection to be given to believers in Jerusalem.
The truth is there are things we can't do as individual churches. We can do much more together. And the early church knew that. They put their money where their hearts were-with Jesus. Today, evidence of churches putting the New Testament example into practice. Individual churches are, in effect, taking offerings for brothers and sisters they may never meet. For example, in the last 10 years, 45 churches have joined the U.S. MB family through the efforts of Integrated Ministries and six churches have been planted in cooperation with three districts and Mission USA-two U.S. Conference ministries supported in large part by contributions from local MB churches. It would be difficult for one local church to do all that.
But, as with our personal view of money, there is a great deal of room for improvement. Only 85 out of the 188 churches who have chosen to belong to the U.S. Conference have given money this year to support national ministries. Local churches benefit from national ministries-the fact that you ( are reading this editorial is an example. The Leader is one of the ministries of the Board of Communications, another U.S. Conference ministry. But with privilege comes responsibility. And that responSibility is something at which we need to take a hard look, both in our personal lives as well as corporately.
And we mustn't stop at the national level. American MBs are part of a much larger community. In fact, we are but a small neighborhood in that global city. MBs in India and Congo outnumber us by the tens of thousands.
But it begins with the individual. If I begin looking at money through Jesus' eyes instead of my own; it will affect how I give to the local church and how my local church gives to the collaborative ministries df our sister churches here in America and around theworld. But it must start here, with me-and you. -GA
